3D printing is gaining traction in educational institutions across America and the world. Inspiring a new generation of learners, it combines problem-solving skills with creativity and innovation. However, quite often the focus is on how 3D printing can benefit students, not teachers. Let’s change that. I’d like to take a closer look at the seven key teacher benefits of using 3D printing in education.
1. Reduce lesson planning time
Teachers spend a serious amount of time and effort planning lessons and aligning plans to the curriculum. So why would you add in an additional element? Well, 3D printing can make your life as a teacher easier. It gives you back time to focus on what you do best, teaching and engaging your students. When using a set of prepared 3D lesson plans that have rich video, 3D models and other resources, lesson planning time is reduced. Educators can let students immerse themselves in a hands-on learning experience working individually or in groups to complete projects which can substantially ease a teacher’s workload.
Teachers can also use 3D printing to create their own teaching aids when their own supplies are lacking or missing. And, they can create the aids to their own specifications very affordably.
2. Facilitate remote learning
During the COVID-19 global pandemic, we saw a surge in technology adoption to support remote teaching and learning. This looks set to continue with a mix of in-person, hybrid, and fully remote learning models. Teaching using 3D printing remotely may sound like an impossible task. We have found that using 3D printing, teachers have benefitted from maintaining student engagement and intrigue. Easy-to-use curriculum-based materials available online mean that educating in 3D can continue in the virtual classroom. Students are engaged and are motivated to do something different to a video lesson. 3D printing provides a bridge between the digital world and the physical world, a teacher’s job that is a little bit easier, as students actively engage in lessons.
3. Higher exam and assessment scores
Student engagement has shown to be linked to higher academic performance and also offers a robust predictor of achievement and behavior in schools. It also inspires and motivates teachers as you see your students succeed. With interest in STEAM subjects declining in some regions, it’s never been more important to adopt solutions to improve subject engagement.
3D printing allows educators to illustrate complex concepts and enhances engagement through fun and interactive learning, boosting results. Studies show 3D printing improves the core skills required to succeed, such as critical and creative thinking to agility and problem solving. Students can better understand learning concepts by using 3D printing, absorbing and retaining information in a different way.
4. Increase in applications
The students of today are the workforce of tomorrow, and it’s important to give them the skills they need for future success. The 3D printing industry is booming. With the potential to change how we work, play and live, students want the opportunities that come with learning using 3D printing. 3D printing can help your department, school or college standout. Dubbed as the technology of the future, savvy students are keen to learn and experience 3D printing. So, it follows that schools, colleges and teachers that demonstrate the successful adoption and application of new technology will benefit from attracting new students, additional funding and opportunities open to forward thinkers.
5. Seeing students succeed
Educators enrich the lives of students in many ways. Seeing students succeed and knowing you have helped them develop the skills they need for the future, is no doubt rewarding. 3D printing can help you to further inspire the next generation and watch them flourish. Learning from failure and perseverance, living out the growth mindset is powerful. Even typically reluctant learners become motivated and engaged with 3D printing. Even reluctant teachers can find inspiration in each other as they experience their first 3D model success.
Teachers model lifelong learning through their use of 3D printing, and this leaves a lasting impact on students. In fact, helping students to succeed and build self-esteem will leave a legacy. Inspiring, motivating and creative. These teachers will be remembered for a long time. Standing up as an innovator and adopter of future technology and teaching methods helps teachers and schools or colleges stand out from the crowd.
6. Recognition and legacy
Teachers model lifelong learning through their use of 3D printing, and this leaves a lasting impact on students. In fact, helping students to succeed and build self-esteem will leave a legacy. Inspiring, motivating and creative. These teachers will be remembered for a long time. Standing up as an innovator and adopter of future technology and teaching methods helps teachers and schools or colleges stand out from the crowd.
7. Empowering educators
Using a wealth of resources, you have control over how to integrate 3D models and printing into your lessons. Joining a growing group of educators from around the world, you can experience and embrace future technology. Instead of simply having an awareness of an abstract idea, 3D printing empowers both educators and students. It allows you, the teacher to be creative, offering a new tool to try a different approach to your subject which inspires and energizes you as well as your students.
We all know that the role of a teacher is far more than grade achievement. Cultivating inspiration in their students is key. 3D printing in education helps educators achieve this. This spark is integral to ensuring students, and teachers, reach their potential with long-lasting results. Using 3D printing gives learning a fresh and creative edge for teachers as well as students in preparing your school or college and yourself for the future, today.