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- Yes, 3D printing is already being introduced to students at an early age.
- 3D printing enables the physical manifestation of someone’s thoughts and ideas. The hands-on experience makes a technical subject fun and attractive, even for people who aren’t especially interested (yet) in design, architecture, computer science or engineering and many other fields of study. For some, what used to be a dry and theoretical and (as a result of that) boring class, can now become an engaging and hands-on experience.
- China, for example, has plans to have every one of its elementary schools equipped with 3D printers by 2017. The early immersion of students to the new technology will make them fit for the future, when 3D printing will become more and more important for the workplace and everyday life.
- Also, in Japan, Kabaku and Microsoft have developed a 3D printing and programming learning tool. BASED on the popular video game Mine craft, students can design structures in the game and have their creations output on a 3D PRINTER. This helps the students realize the potential impact that their imagination and ideas can have. And makes them realize that designing is a process of trial and ERROR, often involving several iterations before getting it right.
- There is no debating whether or not 3D printing can be used in the classroom. It’s more a question of when. For further reading, check out this article on how 3D printing improves education. Also, there is an interesting TEACHER‘s Guide to 3D Printing here.
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