The Most Important Benefits Of 3D Printing In Education

The Most Important Benefits Of 3D Printing In Education

How Does 3D Printing Work?

3D printing begins with a digital model in a 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file and ends with a physical three-dimensional object. And software known as a “slicer” processes the designed or scanned 3D object. The slicer breaks down the model into a series of thin, 2-dimensional layers. It generates a file with instructions (G-code) specific to the type of 3D printer.

An FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer is the most common type of 3D printer found in classrooms.

The 3D printer uses the required raw material combination (plastic, metal, rubber, and so on). It then builds the object one layer at a time, 2D layer by 2D layer, until it is entirely designed and finished according to the design criteria from the original CAD file.

It is a matter of bringing objects out of the computer screen and into the real, physical world – and then into the hands of students for inspection, analysis, and other processes that benefit from physical manipulation – for the use of 3D printing in education.

Here are a few ideas for how schools and students can use 3D printers in the classroom:

– History students can examine historical artifacts by printing them out.

– Graphic design students can print 3D versions of their artwork. – Geography students can print topography, demographic, or population maps.

– Chemistry students can create 3D models of molecules to print.

– Biology students can print cells, viruses, organs, and other biological artifacts.

– Math students can use 3D printers to print out 3D models of problems to solve.

These are some ways 3D printing technology bridges the physical and digital worlds – find what you need on the screen, then print it.

The Most Important Benefits Of 3D Printing In Education

Isn’t it a little mind-boggling?

With the decreasing cost of 3D printers, they are no longer just another technological toy for students to play with but an essential and valuable educational tool. They improve both teaching and learning.

3D printing is one tool that assists students in conceptualizing and visualizing their designs as they progress from the development stages of a sketch to the finished product.

Future designers, engineers, and artists will all be influenced by 3D printing in terms of growth and development.

Consider the following five significant advantages of 3D printing’s impact on education…

Benefits Of 3D Printing In Education

Excitement

3D printing allows students to experience their projects from the model stage to the actual model creation. As they gain hands-on experience from conception to innovation, they gain excitement and a better understanding of the design process. As the student builds the project layer by layer, the individual features become more visible. The ability to investigate details in reality, rather than just on a screen or in a textbook, adds to the excitement. 3D printing also brings the theoretical world to the physical world. Students can see and touch it, opening up new avenues for learning and activities.

In Education Complements the Curriculum

3D printing can help students and teachers work more efficiently regardless of the curriculum. Students are no longer passive consumers of information on a screen with no regard for productivity, thanks to 3D printing. In contrast to traditional classrooms, where students are easily bored, they become active and engaged participants through the conception, design, and execution of their projects and interaction with the 3D printer and the teacher.

Access to Previously Unavailable Knowledge

Because most 3D printers come pre-assembled and ready to use, it is a fun, cutting-edge technology for students to learn. Students learn that failing on the first try and then trying again is acceptable to improve. Students become less afraid to try and execute new and different ideas in life as they learn that failure is a natural part of the process. This boosts students’ confidence, and teachers appreciate the benefits of having self-motivated, self-assured students.

Opens Up New Learning Opportunities

A low-cost 3D printer provides students with limitless learning opportunities. 3D printing allows students to experiment with ideas, expanding and growing their creativity. It is difficult for young students to figure things out without visualization. Being able to touch and see their projects in a visual learning environment improves their understanding of the world. 3D printers open new avenues for delivering information to young students cost-effectively and efficiently.

Improves Problem Solving Abilities

Students can learn in a variety of ways thanks to the 3D printer. They must learn how various 3D printers work, how to use them, and troubleshoot and solve problems. This is an art form in which many students do not have the opportunity to participate during their regular studies. Students learn persistence and endurance in overcoming difficulties by learning how to troubleshoot and solve 3D printer problems. This can also translate to assisting students in resolving their life problems.

Feeding students’ creativity skills can help them develop a passion for original thinking and creativity, which they can apply in business. As students explore and develop their imaginations, it fosters innovation by creating their unique 3D projects that can be used to train others and solve problems. 3D printing encourages students’ accomplishments while preparing them for a college education. They gain the confidence to pursue challenging courses such as those in STEAM fields.

… As you can see, 3D printing allows every student to have bigger and better dreams.

Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page to let us know your ideas, and we would appreciate seeing pictures of your works of art!

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