When the idea of 3D printing was first brought to k12 schools it seemed entirely absurd. Primarily school leaders loathed at the 3D printers’ hefty price. A few years later and 3D printers are revolutionizing education in every way possible. After visualizing a visual design and through the use of a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file a 3D printer brings the CAD file to life (Dogru, 2015). The devices leave learners creative and begging for more as they offer an interactive approach to any given subject matter. Despite the buzz in of 3D printing in both the technological industry and educational sector its uses continue to expand as each day passes.
Initially, 3D printers were often incorporated into engineering and mathematic applications. It was believed primarily that their use only applied to developing and creating real life illustrations on complex engineering and mathematic models. Dogru (2015) suggests that Teachers albeit those who could understand how to use them encouraged their students to build plastic machine parts or prosthetic legs often to foresee if their theoretical plans would materialize. The interactive nature of 3D serves as a very relevant approach in illustrating concepts that students perceive to be challenging in the engineering and mathematical spheres. This in a way leads to greater understanding.
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The recent developments have showed that 3D printers are not a privilege to sciences only as schools have incorporated them into both art and business. When it comes to art and design classes, tutors are provided with a very versatile tool that helps enhance student’s creativity. Teachers may follow the traditional scheme of teaching students how to draw with a pen, paint or pencil on paper but aid them in importing in their art into simple software in which they can print their drawings into seemingly 3D sculptures (Dogru, 2015). Officially, educators have changed the annotation STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to STEAM to incorporate arts and 3D printing has not been left behind.
Moreover, 3D printing is integral in formulating real life situations and problems with regards to the high school business curriculum. Students can be divided depending on the size of class where they can form different companies or one joint one where each individual is given different roles (Peterson, 2015). Thereafter, through the use of 3D printers, they should be able to create a project that can generate income. With this approach, learners are able to have a clue on what expectations and processes are in the real business world. Also working together encompassing their different abilities together portrays a common workplace. However, use of 3D printers in business learning is not only limited to this approach.
The future for 3D printing in education is promising and its impact is likely to be a positive one. As the applications of 3D printers continue to expand rapidly, 3D printing will give rise to a generation with much creativity. Furthermore, education will be more "realistic" per se as further development of 3D printers will make printing more a real life experience. Peterson (2015) articulates that learners will be able to touch and feel concepts that are otherwise known to be only theoretical. Additionally, learners will graduate having an idea on real life situations thereby making them more resourceful in the job market.
In conclusion, 3D printers present yet another positive future for learning activities. This cutting edge technology gives optimism to both learners and educators. Its rapidly expanding capabilities are thereby something to be enthusiastic about. However, 3D printing is still extremely costly for schools, let alone individuals. However, expectations are high that as time progresses relatively cheaper and better 3D printers will be developed. With a future so promising for 3D printing the only task left is to wait.
References
Peterson, T. (2015). 3D Printers Add a New Dimension to Classrooms . Retrieved on 3 February, 2017 from http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2015/01/new-dimension.
Dogru, J. (2015). The Influence of Education on the 3D Printing Industry . Retrieved on 3 February, 2017 from https://techcrunch.com/2015/11/14/the-influence-of-education-on-the-3d-printing-industry/.
