3D Printing in Education: How is it Shaping the Learning Environment

The application of different tools and innovations is beneficial for the learners. There are various educational gadgets and services aimed to make the learning process easy and effective.

But what about implementing innovative technologies during the lesson? Here, we are going to discuss 3D printing and its benefits in the field of education.

Benefits Of Applying the 3D Printing in Education

Implementation of 3D printing technology in education implies many advantages. With this innovation, teachers can transform the learning process. Which can become engaging, interesting, and effective.  Look through the list of benefits provided by the 3D printing software.

Facilitates Experiential Learning

The application of 3D printing in education makes students get a more profound understanding of the subject. Also, it makes the learning process more interesting and interactive. When the students see the real example of what they learn, they feel more confident. And as a result, the general attitude to the learning process becomes positive.

Also, these technologies increase the collaboration among the students. When they work together, teamwork leads to an innovative approach to the subject.

3D Printed Versions and Molds

One more advantage of 3D printing usage in education is the ability to create molds. It is becoming a technology trend for students, making it possible to print almost everything. Thus, teachers can print models of molecules, prototypes, biological artifacts, and so on. 

Indeed, it’s better to have a printed version than show it on the screen or just discuss it without a real example. When the students have the item in their hands, it improves their analytical abilities. 

Increases Real World Understanding

This technology helps the teachers to put the learning process in a certain context. Applying 3D printing increases the value of the knowledge since students study in a real-world problem-solving atmosphere.

Also, this technology is beneficial in terms of visualization. Even having images of something is not enough to visualize to its full extent. If one replaces the picture of the historical artifact with a 3D prototype, the learners will have a better understanding of that epoch.

Boosts Imagination

3D printing software is one of the best educational gadgets for students that boosts imagination. With this technology, almost every idea is possible. When students have a chance to turn their design into reality, the creativity becomes almost infinite. 

The application of 3D printers in the education field will open new dimensions of creativity in each learner. It’s not possible to teach how to be creative. There should be a tool to turn the ideas into real physical objects.

Encourages Digital Engagement

3D printing is an activity that makes learning fun and engaging. It is not an easy task for the teachers to keep students engaged during the whole lesson. But with implementing 3D printers, the learning process becomes enjoyable. Also, it stimulates mental activity at the same time.

It is possible to implement this technology at every educational level.  So children become digitally engaged from the early years. It can be an element of play at the early stage and a tool for academic projects in the university. 

Improves the Computational Thinking

The technology of 3D printing is also beneficial for the improvement of computational thinking. It opens a range of opportunities for the teachers to develop different competencies. While working with 3D printers, the students improve their logical thinking and decomposition skills. Also, the educational gadget boosts pattern recognition and problem-solving. 

Using the 3D technology during the lesson can replace dozens of various methods and techniques. As a result, it will improve computational thinking. So, it is beneficial for both students and teachers during the learning process.

Facilitates Active Learning

The next advantage of 3D printing is related to active learning. No doubt that children learn better through application and interaction. Using 3D printers during the lesson gives more on-hands experience. Also, it is much easier to apply the theoretical concepts in practice by having this software.

Also, the students can interact with each other while creating different objects, models, or molds. With this technology, learning becomes an interesting and active process. Indeed, children won’t be bored anymore. 

Prepares for Future

Innovation is an integral part of the modern world. And there is a need to teach students to explore different tools that will be necessary for life after education. Technologies such as 3D printing provide an opportunity to think differently in the digital world. 

If children interact with this software on a daily basis, it will be easy for them to adapt to more innovations in the future. As the world is constantly changing, educational tools and methods should be transformed accordingly. 

How Teachers Use 3D Printing in the Classroom

Teachers already use 3D printing technology in the classroom. Even if it is still not so popular, here you can find examples of successful implementation of 3D printers:

    • creating human skeletons and organs; it is very useful, as a student can discover the human body on the “real” example;
    • creating interactive maps; it is possible to design real cities;
    • the models of how the future city will look like, or some historical locations;
    • conducting math experiments; it improves the mathematical thinking;
    • recreation of real-life objects; teachers recreate historical ruins or different landmarks;
    • creations of the dinosaur sculptures; children can see how these creatures looked like millions of years ago.

Final Words

Implementing innovative technologies in the field of education opens new horizons for teachers and students. 3D printing implies a range of new opportunities to make the learning process effective, useful, and engaging. 

While using 3D printers, students can interact with each other and bring their creative ideas to life simultaneously. Furthermore, this innovative technology boosts various skills and competencies. We hope that 3D printing will become an educational mainstream soon. 

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