Describe the Instructional Technology Trend.
3D printing is a technology that enables creation of real,
three-dimensional objects quickly based on computer designs. A computer sends a
three-dimensional design to a printer which "prints" the object layer
by layer in three dimensions out of resin or plastic.
How do you think this trend is going to impact learning/education?
3D printing will have the biggest impact on education in the
STEM fields, in my opinion. For example, in chemistry, an instructor could print
a 3D model of a molecule to illustrate a concept. It could also allow biology students
to create models of organs or bones for more hands-on study.
However, there are myriad other potential uses for 3D
printing in other fields as well. For example, architecture students could
create models of buildings for display purposes. Art students could use it as a
type of digital "sculpture." I believe it will also have a lot of
value simply for its own sake. A 3D printing club, for example, would allow
students to collaborate and try to outdo each other with designs. A 3D printer
would be indispensable for a robotics club as well, allowing students to
fabricate custom parts to better optimize their designs.
As an instructional technologist, what do you need to do to keep up with
this trend?
For me, step zero would be to actually acquire a 3D printer,
either professionally or for my personal use. From there, I would familiarize
myself with software such as Google
SketchUp, as well as look at some of the designs available online at sites
like Thingiverse. I would also want
to take a look lesson
plans involving 3D printing to see what's currently being done with 3D
printers by other educators. At that point, I think I would try to establish
what I find most engaging about the technology. Enthusiasm is a good way to
engage students.
Provide two resources for reading that provide more information on this
trend and explain why these readings stood out to you.
- Purdue UniversitySchool of Engineering Education--3D Printer Lab: I chose this resource because it provides a glimpse into the day-to-day minutiae of a working lab, warts and all. It presents the realities for students such as establishing project requirements; letting students know they have to pay material costs for everything they print, regardless if it turns out right; whose project gets priority; cleaning and maintenance issues and responsibilities; and a host of other real-world concerns. It's all well and good to have pie-in-the-sky discussions on how 3D printing will revolutionize this or that, but I think it's equally important to get a clear picture of what that revolution will physically look like. Seeing how one institution manages this technology can prevent others from having to figure this stuff out on the fly.
- 3D Printing Will Transform Education: This Forbes piece gives a lot of the basics of 3D printing's uses in education, but it's the publication and the audience that stands out to me more than the content. The fact that Forbes is reporting on 3D printing in education tells me that some financially minded people think that it's both useful for education and a financially viable investment. Forbes is read by affluent decision makers, exactly the sorts of people who could be persuaded to donate to school technology funds or to make a large grant for the purposes of a school buying 3D printers.
A Video from the web about the trend
I posted this video in my lino, but I wanted to mention it
again because it so clearly demonstrates the utility and value 3D printing can
have. When a technology can make such a wholesale difference in someone's life,
it's clearly one that educators should pay attention to.
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