In addition to the practical applications of 3D printing, especially in the industrial sector, there is also a field of application for this technology in the transfer of knowledge in school and training. Especially in the context of growing importance of digital learning the teaching of skills about 3D printing is also becoming increasingly important.
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Equipment for school needs
Just a few years after 3D printing technologies became the focus of public attention, many 3D printers have already found their way into schools in numerous European countries. Some 3D printer manufacturers even have special equipment for school needs and handling by children developed. These school 3D printers aim to take learning to a whole new level.
After all, dealing with digital applications has long since become a matter of course for today’s generation of schoolchildren. At the same time, the application of 3D printing for Initial training in design, architecture or industry as increasingly essential, which means that the need for school preparation for this technology in the STEM subjects is almost imperative.
Multiple benefits for the students
In addition, the students benefit in several ways from the use of 3D printers in the classroom. On the one hand they get to know the technology and how to use it themselves, after all it is generally assumed that the spread of 3D printers will bring about far-reaching economic and social changes. On the other hand, the use of 3D printers in the classroom also makes models possible easy to make, with the help of which complex theories can be presented in a simple way and also included interactively. This applies in particular to the MINT subjects, where experience has shown that there are the greatest problems in understanding, but also to geography, technology or art.
Complete development process in focus
The focus of the school use of 3D printers is on the entire production process. The students explore different subject areas and use a CAD program to design 3D printable models on the PC. A crucial aspect of this is the fact that the students are encouraged to think for themselves and come up with their own solutions to problems. In the next step, they experience the opportunity to use innovative and future-oriented technology in order to evaluate and, if necessary, correct the results obtained in this way.