What will the role of
the 3D printer have in the field of education?
The uses of this new resource are endless but there are some
uses that will fit right in to the classroom.
1) Teachers will be able to develop 3 dimensional visual
aids specifically for use in their classrooms raising the opportunities for students
to become more engaged in their learning.
2) Students who are visual learners will have an opportunity
for more “hands on “manipulatives and be able to touch and feel as well as
visualize objects and concepts
3) There could be more interactive activities. Teachers will
be able to create models of inventions, a simulation of the human brain, etc.
all which make learning more exciting.
One company has apparently stepped to the forefront in championing
the educational uses of 3D printers. The company, Makerbot, has announced that
as part of its corporate mission statement, it would like to see a 3D printers
in every school in America. Since the product is not cheap- a base model sells
for a little under $3000, not including supplies- Markerbot has partnered with
Donorschoose.org to aid teachers in crowdfunding to raise money to be able to
purchase a printer.
I invite you to take a look at Makerbot’s website (www.makerbot.com) and explore the exciting
possibilities of the 3D printer in the classroom. If you happen to live in the Northeast,
Makerbot presently has three retail stores- New York City, Boston, and Greenwich,
CT. At these locations you will be able to take classes and learn what the printers
can do. They also offer special classes for children. Currently they are
offering a “ make your own Valentine “ project.
(Please note- I have no financial or any other interest in
this company. There may be other companies
out there with similar products and I would appreciate it you would let me know
so that I can post that information on a future blog.)
Best wishes for a successful and meaningful teaching year in
2014.
c. 2014.J. Margolis
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