Why Do Schools Need 3D Printers?

It can be said that the post-80s generation is revolutionarily different from the previous generation in many ways. Long hair, fancy dress and disco seem to be the symbols of this generation. In educational technology, the personal computer occupies a dominant position. Today, the post-90s are also undergoing similar changes, advocating hard rock and man buns (hairstyles). In education technology, cutting-edge technology has seized the dominant position. Therefore, it is time for PCs to give way to 3D printers.

3D printing technology, or additive manufacturing technology, has affected the whole world in the past few decades. With the maturity of technology and the reduction of prices, 3D printers are constantly entering offices, homes, and even schools. So the question is, why do schools need 3D printers?

Supports visual and kinesthetic learning styles

A large body of evidence shows that integrating multiple learning styles can be more effective in helping students understand and retain knowledge. Seeing and touching related objects with your own eyes can deepen students' understanding of knowledge. This is especially important when explaining physics and spatial concepts. Statistics show that if only abstract concepts are explained, students can only remember 20%, while if they experience it personally, they can remember 90%. With 3D printers, teachers can print out course-related models to deepen students' understanding and make boring concepts interesting.

Improve team spirit and enhance problem-solving skills

Through 3D printing technology, students are able to print virtual models to solve practical problems. Teachers provide necessary guidance to students in the design and development stage, evaluate students' works in the final stage, and cultivate students' critical thinking through 3D printing technology. Although there will be frustrating problems such as repeated design revisions, printing failures, and printing failures during the printing process, the sense of fulfillment after success is incomparable. At the same time, in the process of solving problems together, the teamwork spirit of the students has also been improved.

Indirect contact with objects that cannot be touched normally

Often, students do not have access to fragile or precious objects such as antiquities and fossils. But with 3D printing technology, models of these items can be replicated for students to study with their own hands, observe them up close, and even take them home. This is more intuitive than going to a museum to watch through the glass.