5 top benefits of 3D printing in education

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5 top benefits of 3D printing in Education

The implementation of 3D printing into education can offer several benefits to students as we will outline below. There are many educational grants available to secondary and third-level institutions in Ireland as part of the ongoing STEM Education Policy Statement 2017-2026. These STEM grants and supports are part of the roadmap to encourage young people to actively engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. €4.7 million is being provided in funding for STEM projects, which represents an increased allocation from the €1.5 million originally announced. In total 446 primary and 85 post-primary schools across the country are receiving funding amounts of between €1,000 and €10,000.

One way in which schools can make use of these STEM grants that are available is by introducing 3D printing into education. This is a great way of offering students the chance to exercise their technological and engineering skills in a fun, innovative way and prepare them for real-life methodology. 3D printing is also an affordable and extremely rewarding route into STEM with 3D printers available for only €250. It is also a relatively easy skill to learn with many useful outcomes. Here are some key ways in which 3D printing benefits students in education:

1. Better understanding of complex ideas

With 3D printing, students can experiment with creating 3D models from scratch using 3D software. This experience with manipulating 3D dimensional shapes and creating physical models can help students to understand better complex ideas in subjects like mathematics, science, and engineering. 3D printing makes abstract concepts more tangible and engaging and therefore can have a positive effect on their understanding of science and maths subjects. It provides a concrete example of abstract concepts that they can draw from.

2. Encourages Hands-on learning

3D printing provides a hands-on approach to learning. Many students benefit from this type of learning where they can learn by trial and error. Not every student relates to learning from a book or relaying information. Students can learn from the hands-on application of 3D models, which in turn will allow them to apply this practical knowledge to their other studies. This is particularly useful for students with learning disabilities who learn better with visual aids and hands-on learning opportunities. Students can design, create, and test their 3D-printed projects, promoting experiential learning which can encourage long-lasting recollection.

3. Encourages Problem-Solving Skills

3D printing encourages students to think critically and solve real-world problems. They can design and print solutions to challenges they encounter. For example, they can print pieces to fix household items or print a part with particular specifications that may not be available elsewhere. This type of thinking is extremely useful and transferable. Students can go on to rethink solutions to bigger social or medical issues in their community and beyond. As well as this, With 3D printing, there will inevitably be some print issues that require a student to rethink their design and how best to approach it and deal with any 3D printing issues along the way. This will encourage them to learn from their mistakes and improve their patience and ability to problem-solve effectively. This is an invaluable lesson to teach young adults and can help them develop a can-do attitude.

4. Fosters creativity with a practical application

3D printing not only encourages mathematical skills, it also encourages creativity and design. It combines the ability to think of creative and innovative designs create them from their imagination and bring them to life. This is a huge benefit for students with a creative flare as it allows them to nurture this creative side while also offering them a sought-after skill set for the future, and an opportunity to create a practical outlet for their creativity. There are many creative applications to 3D printing including creating 3D models, architectural design models, historical artifacts, and jewellery. 3D printing nurtures creativity and design skills, allowing students to bring their imaginative ideas to life. It promotes the exploration of new designs and concepts and encourages entrepreneurial thinking, as students can design, prototype, and even market their products.

5. Sets students up for future careers in STEM or design

Exposure to 3D printing prepares students for careers in fields where technology is increasingly important, such as engineering, design, and manufacturing. Many companies also use 3D designs and 3D prints as prototyping before production.

3D printing opens a door to students who wish to explore STEM in a fun way to see if they would like to work in particular industries. STEM studies account for 30% of all higher education studies in Ireland with more than two-thirds (67%) of secondary school students in Ireland interested in learning more about pursuing a career in STEM, according to a study by BT Ireland. The study also noted that there are several reasons holding students back from studying STEM including that they feel they are not smart enough (33%), a lack of confidence (18%), and that there is not enough information on the benefits of a career in STEM (18%).

This leaves a much-needed gap for encouraging students to explore these skills earlier on leading to increased confidence, skills, and information in the area. Providing students with tools like 3D printers allows them to develop these essential transferable skills to take a step in this direction for their future. It is particularly important for females to be given this opportunity as they account for only 19% of higher education courses compared to 43% of males, a 24% difference, according to the Higher Education Authority.

In conclusion, Incorporating 3D printing into the curriculum requires proper training for teachers, investment in 3D printers and materials, and ongoing maintenance. However, the benefits in terms of improved learning outcomes and student engagement make it a worthwhile addition to modern educational practices. If you’d like to learn more about 3D printing for educators or would like some advice on what 3D printers to choose, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. We are happy to help with supporting educators on their 3D journey.

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Common questions

Why is 3D printing beneficial for education?

3D printing is beneficial for education as it encourages students to develop their problem-solving abilities, fosters creativity and design, and allows for hands-on learning and understanding of abstract ideas. It also sets them up for successful careers in STEM, which is a growing industry.

How is 3D printing changing education?

3D printing allows students who are better suited to learning with a hands-on practical approach to excel in this area that they may not have had the opportunity to do in other areas. This is especially useful for students with learning disabilities as it gives them a practical tool to learn science, technology, mathematics, engineering, and design. It also allows them to perceive abstract ideas such as physics in a practical manner outside of the textbook.

How does 3D printing in education inspire innovation?

3D printing is inherently innovative as it allows students to take an idea and bring it to life. It combines creativity with practical technological and engineering skills to bring the object to life. Allowing students access to these tools from a young age spurs innovative ideas for the future that can benefit all of society.

Where can I buy 3D printers for education?

We stock a large range of 3D printers suitable for educators here, whether you are looking for your first 3D printer in your school or are updating to a newer model. Our range of 3D printers and filament caters to every budget. Get in touch today if you’d like to buy 3D printers for schools or third-level colleges and we will take you through the most suitable models for your needs.

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5 top benefits of 3D printing in Education

1. Better understanding of complex ideas

2. Encourages Hands-on learning

3. Encourages Problem-Solving Skills

4. Fosters creativity with a practical application

5. Sets students up for future careers in STEM or design

Other useful products

Why is 3D printing beneficial for education?

How is 3D printing changing education?

How does 3D printing in education inspire innovation?

Where can I buy 3D printers for education?

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5 top benefits of 3D printing in Education

1. Better understanding of complex ideas

2. Encourages Hands-on learning

3. Encourages Problem-Solving Skills

4. Fosters creativity with a practical application

5. Sets students up for future careers in STEM or design

Other useful products

Why is 3D printing beneficial for education?

How is 3D printing changing education?

How does 3D printing in education inspire innovation?

Where can I buy 3D printers for education?