3D printers are a revolutionary technology that can be incorporated into a classroom to foster student creativity. Many teachers and researchers have claimed that 3D printers have a positive impact on student engagement and learning. A 3D printer creates three dimensional solid objects from three-dimensional computer-aided design materials by adding up the layers of the objects. The user must design and create a digital model using 3D modelling software applications. For example, sketch up, which is a free computer program for 3D modelling Computer-Aided Designs, which enhances students design thinking skills.
How can we incorporate 3D printing into a classroom, whilst fostering creativity?
This technology can be used to teach multiple subjects, specifically mathematics and science. Ford & Minshall (2019) ‘describe how STEM design projects involving physical prototyping such as 3D printing, can provide a foundation for improving the understanding of science and mathematics’. For example, students can use sketch up, which is a computer program where students can design and create their own 3D objects, to create objects and shapes in mathematics. Students have the choice to choose the size, colour of their shape and are able to view it through different angles before sending it through a 3D printer to have the physical object of their own creations. Using SketchUp inspires creativity, as the creative possibilities are endless. In addition, design thinking skills are heightened because SketchUp enables students to test, modify and refine their product.
By: Author (Djoumana Aoun)
In regard to teaching science, teachers can use a 3D printer to create diagrams and 3D figures of biological sciences. For instance, animals, solar system, plants and all other living things. This relates to the syllabus content strand of living word, using the 3D figures teachers can demonstrate to students that “living things have similar characteristics; are interdependent and interact with each other and how their features are related to the environments in which they live” (Science & technology NESA, 2017).
EDUC 3620 Tutorial
Potential advantages and limitations
When this technology is effectively incorporated in the classroom, it plays a significant role in fostering creativity in all students. Using SketchUp inspires creativity, as students are easily able to visualise their ideas and concepts before simply creating them on the website. SketchUp is a free, simple and organised website to navigate, and hundreds of tutorial videos are available on the net for students to refer to. On the other hand, one major limitation is the limited access to 3D printers, this new technology is expensive and has an ongoing labour cost. Many disadvantaged schools don’t have the opportunity to utilise this printer. As well as many teachers, have not been trained or equipped with the skills to operate this advanced technology.
Reference List
Ford, S., & Minshall, T. (2019). Invited review article: Where and how 3D printing is used in teaching and education. Additive Manufacturing, 25, 131–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2018.10.028
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) (2017). Science K-6. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/ learning-areas/science/science-and-technology-k-6-new-syllabus
Djoumana Aoun
Hi Djoumana,
Well done on this blog post! There was clearly a piece of technology that was identified here – the 3D printer. Unfortunately, no comparisons were made to other similar pieces of technology which could bolster the context for 3D Printers. Part of me wants to say that the fostering creativity section lists what a 3D printer can do, but at the same time, I can see how this can lead to creativity. Strong links were made to the syllabus with specific references as to how this piece of technology can be used in a classroom. Whilst images were incorporated into this blog post, it was not explicitly stated that it was personal footage. These images could be from…
Hi,
Your blog was easy to navigate. It provided a great example of the use of 3D printing in a classroom, I did not think about science and 3D printing, that would be so fun to experiment with!
The limitations you mention are relevant, but what about the time it would take to construct the pieces and then to use in the classroom and what age group would recommend?
01/4/23 Alicia xerri.
A great job and great read!
You've outdone yourself in providing ways that teachers can implement SketchUp and 3D printing into their lessons in turn showcasing the versatility and adaptability of both digital tools, amazing job. I would have loved to see you go into more detail when you mentioned how SketchUp "enables students to test, modify and refine their product", these are inclusive to the design thinking process and I would have loved to hear your thoughts by elaborating on this more. Regardless, there are great points to be taken from this blog, thank you!
24/03/2023
Sela FIfita
Wow, your blog is very well laid out, and very easy to read. You've clearly researched very deeply into the pros and cons of 3D printing, and I really appreciate your direct links to the NSW syllabus outcomes.
I would've loved to see a little bit of information as to how 3D printing relates to design thinking and, in turn, how that fosters creativity.
Regardless, you've put in a tremendous effort and have achieved a great blog.
19/03/2023
Hi Djoumana! What an incredible blog! You have actively justified the benefits and utilisation of design thinking with various technologies, which is fantastic! I loved how you encouraged the use of 3D printers, not only in design technology classes but other forms of learning, including mathematics, which would be vital for them to understand and learn! I also love your link to the limitations of 3D printing as well. I can understand and appreciate how it may be expensive, which can significantly impact the ability to get one, especially for lower socio-economic places. One thing that I would like to mention is what pedagogies would be effective for this. I think that, obviously, constructivism of creating 3D objects would work. I also believe…