Enhance, learn and inspire in the classroom
As every academic year passes, new technology seeps into the classroom. These devices are predominantly upgrades of the existing i.e. handheld tablets and smart whiteboards, but it isn’t often that a revolutionary piece of technology is introduced into the classroom that has the power to make huge waves in both the way we teach, and the way we learn.
One of the more innovative pieces of technology appearing throughout the education sector in the UK over the last couple of years is the 3D printer. Used globally by manufacturers in many industries, the 3D printing technology can be used to enhance classroom based learning and inspire the inventors and creators of tomorrow.
The adoption of 3D printing across schools has been slower than originally expected, due to the perceived expense of purchasing and integrating the technology. But in a bid to infiltrate classrooms and re-engage students, the cost of 3D printers has reduced, and training has become more accessible.
In this blog, we look at 5 reasons why 3D printing technology can have a beneficial impact on the classroom.
- Prepare students for the future of technology
From building cars to creating prosthetic limbs, 3D printers are becoming more and more popular in a huge range of industries. Â In fact, last year 67% of UK manufacturers were using the technology in some way or another.
By giving students an opportunity to become familiar with the technology that is set to play a huge role in the future manufacturing industry, teachers are able to equip them with the skills they’ll need for a smoother transition into the working world.
- Increase student engagement within lessons
In a report from The Department for Education (DfE) on the use of 3D printers in the curriculum, it was shown that teachers saw a huge rise in engagement in lessons when printers were used within lessons.
The study showed that even pupils with poor concentration were seen to produce tangible results and felt confident to explore more complex designs and ideas throughout the session.
By stepping away from traditional methods of teaching, lessons will be given a ‘wow’ factor, making students more excited to come to school and re-engage them in the learning process.
- Give students a better understanding of subjects
3D technology allows students to do much more than draw with pen and paper. Investigating volume and areas of spheres? Have your students create and learn. Teaching about how wind turbines are manufactured? You can show your students the process right before their eyes.
Giving your students the opportunity to become more hands-on with their learning to help them gain a better grasp of complex subjects and inspire a new way of thinking about subjects that might have otherwise assumed to be predominantly textbook based.
- Encourage collaboration between peers and departments
Within the DfE’s report on 3D printing, it was highlighted that one of the key successes from introducing 3D technology into schools was how it not only encouraged students to work together on projects, but it also brought different subjects together.
During the study, teachers and technicians from both design technology and physics were able to work together closely to create a model of scattered alpha particles of gold leaf foil. This exercise meant that students and teachers were able to bridge the gap between STEM subjects and gain a better understanding of how skills can overlap.
- Inspire students to engage in STEM subjects
Although the number of students choosing to take an interest in STEM subjects is rising, experts are still concerned that the rise won’t necessarily mean students will go on to having careers in those fields.
Introducing students to the technology used within the working world of STEM will give you the opportunity to inspire them to go on and succeed in gaining great opportunities when students go on to graduate and kickstart their career.
