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The Value of 3D Printing and Education... In Search of a Solution

Guest post by: B Carlson

Article Overview: 3D printing is changing everyday life. From classrooms to offices around the globe, 3D printers are becoming a standard. The evolution of this technology is turning virtual ideas and objects into physical, interactive models.

The Value of 3D Printing and Education... In Search of a Solution

Human Senses in Learning Experience

The purpose of 3D printing is to take an abstract idea and turn it into something real. When someone creates a 3D model, proceeds to make it and then physically touch it… that supercharges the senses. This is critical in learning and teaching.

People learn by seeing, hearing, touching and creating. 3D model making is an essential component in the learning experience.

Memory Retention

According to 6^th grade teacher, Kim Herron, if students “can see it, touch it, feel it, that brings it… to real [life]. Statistics will show if you hear something, you’ll only remember a small portion of it [and] if you see it, you remember a little bit more. See and hear it, a little bit more. If you see it, hear it, touch it, feel it, do it – you are up to the 80-90 percent [of memory] retention.” (YouTube).

A recent research study by Cornell University concluded, “There is ample evidence that learning is enhanced through active experiences…. A study of knowledge retention showed that only about 20% of knowledge is retained when only abstract conceptualization is involved, but as much as 90% of is retained when the concrete experience is involved” (Lipson).



Designed for Users

Many 3D model makers require teachers to spend hours learning and studying how to operate the machine. However, 2BOT’s ModelMaker is user friendly and easy. The ModelMaker was designed from the user’s perspective; therefore, students, teachers, etc. without technical backgrounds can use it. Plus, it was built safe for schools and offices, having a protected enclosure and no chemicals.

3D Printing Community

2BOT has created ModelMaker Nation, which is an online forum for educators, where users can share lesson plans, select lesson-linked 3D models for download, and post questions and answers within their peer groups via the discussion board; all at no charge.

Subtractive & Additive

3D printers have been around longer than most people think because in past years they were too expensive for the everyday consumer. There are two types of 3D printing: subtractive and additive. Subtractive manufacturing takes material away to create the model compared to additive manufacturing, which adds material layer by layer to create the object.

Using a 3D printer is very similar to a standard printer, just a few clicks of the mouse sends a digital file to the printer; plus, it allows the end user to specify the size of a model and then the machine does the rest: produce a 3D model.

Materials & Maintenance

3D printers and model makers use a variety of materials from plastic to foam to wax. The ModelMaker is designed with a keen sensitivity to the use and cost of materials, plus the ability to generate models at unparalleled speeds, while being user friendly and reliable. Maintenance of the ModelMaker is simple, fast and easy – via a standard shop vacuum.

The Main Point

The value of something is not about the technology behind it; it is about problem solving for the specific consumer of the product. Many companies in the 3D printing market are creating tools instead of solutions. 2BOT decided to do the opposite, manufacture a solution.

References:

Lipson, Hod. Printable 3D Models for Customized Hands-on Education. Ithaca NY: Cornell University. PDF.

youtube/watch?v=YPZOxsSo6EA. 2botmarketing. “Kim Herron Interview.” YouTube. 1 June 2011. Web. 29 June 2011.

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Article Tags: 2bot, 3d models, 3d printing, additive manufacturing, education, modelmaker, subtractive manufacturing



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