3D PRINTING IN EDUCATION
3D printing is driving a revolution through many sectors involving a wide range of applications and markets including that until a few years ago would not have even been considered appropriate for 3D printing.
The design software and 3D scanning 3D printing technologies combined to offer customers a definitive and integrated solution able to create 3D information from objects and conduct rapid design and engineering operations are able to make real objects, prototypes and samples. These technologies help designers, architects, engineers, researchers, teachers and students to take advantage of a reduction in production time and a higher confidence accompanied by a considerable reduction in costs.
Seeing is not only believing; see above all means learn. Therefore it is easy to think that the classrooms and laboratories should be places of practical application and discovery.
Schools, universities and training institutions are introducing the use of 3D printing technology as a means to provide real-world applications of math, science, mechanical engineering, and architecture. The world’s schools, from primary to university, now rely on 3D printing to make possible the realization of custom parts for research projects.
3D printers are digital tools that can innovate the teaching of technical, artistic and scientific subjects: may allow you to create three-dimensional models of objects studied or designed by the pupils.
3D printing is play, creativity, research and action: activities that allow you to develop key skills such as learning to learn, enhance the spirit of initiative and entrepreneurship. The development of these skills occurs as with innovative teaching methods: problem solving, lateral thinking, teamwork and peer tutoring.
Examples of applications of 3D printers school:
- in chemistry allow the printing of molecular models to touch
- in biology allow the study of accurate anatomical models
- in technology, technical drawing, art allow the realization of projects
- in geometry enhance the three-dimensional visualization
Engineers, designers and the problem solvers of tomorrow deserve every tool available. 3D printing supplies unlimited creativity when students are about to see, touch and test their theories and ideas in real space.
The use of 3D printing in the classroom allows students to take advantage of the same advanced technologies they will encounter in their careers and represents a springboard to address the challenges of the future.
The educational purpose of an “innovation school”, a space in which there is a 3D printer, means educating teachers and students to a conscious and creative use of digital tools.
