Technology is advancing every day, and every industry is benefiting from it. The use of 3D printers has been booming in recent years. The revolution and advancements in 3D printing are transforming different industries, including engineering, manufacturing, dental, healthcare, and education.
However, students and teachers are not comfortable and aware of 3D printers for education. This new technology and the way of studying new things with a creative perspective can bring a change in student abilities. Therefore, it is high time to embrace the latest technology in schools and universities to create an innovative mindset for future generations. So, let us understand the benefits of 3D printers and how to incorporate their comfortable use among students.
The Benefits of Using 3D Printers for Education
With every field advancing in technology, classrooms also need advancements. Therefore, instead of limiting the technology sources, students should be shown the practical and positive aspects of the technology. 3D printers do not come off as a necessity or a tool to include in the classroom. However, they are proving themselves as one of the foundational tools, facilitating benefits in the education sector.
According to the Department for Education report, 3D printers impact a student’s learning and creativity and have a strong potential as an educational resource. The use of 3D printers incorporates the real-life understanding of projects. For example, in a mathematics class, they can print a shape and understand its concept better, or in an anatomy class, printing bones or organs will give them a deep learning of the concept.
Moreover, these printers also increase analytical skills as one needs to be aware of the size and measurements of the objects that they are printing. Along with all other benefits, the students are aware of the latest technologies and will be familiar with the CAD design concept. To be concise, 3D printers in education boost creativity, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of concepts.
How to Encourage the Use of 3D Printers in Classrooms?
The concept of 3D printing is new, making it challenging to introduce. Also, there are different types of printers in the markets, like Pellet 3D printers, etc. used for different purposes. Therefore, here are some tips to encourage its use among students:
A Powerful Introduction:
It is impossible to try something that you do not know about its existence or use. Therefore, it is essential to provide a solid introduction among students to encourage them. Also, practical knowledge and demonstrations are the key to making them feel excited and to make them understand its importance. Keep the introduction simple and use basic printers for starters.
Providing Free Starters Kit:
Creating a CAD design may seem daunting from the start. Therefore, some websites and sources have pre-designed templates that one can print easily. Helping them out can make them curious about new designs and boost their creativity.
Department-wide usage:
Big institutions often have multiple workshops and fab labs across various departments. 3D printers are common among architecture or engineering departments. However, providing different types of 3D printers, like pellet 3D printers, FDM printers, etc., according to the needs of the department will provide a variety of machines to work with, increasing creativity and productivity.
Assistance and Communicate
As the concept of 3D printers for education is new for the students, it is essential to provide appropriate guidance. If someone is not confident enough to try out the designs, provide workshops and assistance by offering design support to them. Trying a new concept is tough, and producing CAD can be challenging for some students.
It is essential to keep communication open with them and support them, especially in the early stages that will help them build their confidence for the future.
Summary
Education is an essential industry as we are building the future through this. Therefore, keeping education and learning ahead of time and incorporating cutting-edge technology is necessary. New technologies provide a different viewpoint to the students, helping them perform better and learn new skills for the future.
Therefore, 3D printers for the education industry are the new booming technology that encourages better creativity and learning skills. Apart from the creativity, the printers make the concept easy to understand and reduce time and errors.
To inculcate 3D printers for education, you can check out Evo 3D, as they provide a wide range of 3D printers for education and other industries.