3D printing is very cool, there's no doubt. It's the stuff of science fiction, now realized in 2017. Recently I watched a documentary about this very thing titled "Print the Legend". Focused on the 3D printing revolution, it asks the question throughout of, "why not us, and why not now?" Of course, this question is referring to this generation's quest to improve lives through technological innovation.
And certainly, the applications for 3D printing are numerous. However, the question I want to ask here is, "does 3D printing technology have a place in the classroom?" To the "pros" and "cons" we go! Pros *As the 2015 NMC Horizon Report suggests, 3D printing "enables more authentic exploration of objects and concepts that may not be readily available in schools" (Horizon Report, 40). The opportunity for students to produce something which they can touch and hold is significant. It adds a "hands on" dimension to the experience of learning that can't be understated. *It gets students familiar with a technology that seems to be growing exponentially. *It allows visual learners to enter in, more deeply. *It adds a layer of discovery to the classroom setting. Cons *Price- 3D printing technology is still quite expensive (comparably), and is therefore beyond the reach of many classrooms and schools. Related to this, it may be that some schools can afford the technology, while other can't. This means that some students will get to experience 3D printing, while others will be left out. *Training- Teachers will need to be trained. This will take time and resources. *Fad? Are 3D printers the next step forward? Or are they the next smart board? Only time will tell. Ultimately, any piece of technology that can move us forward is a good thing. And I do believe that 3D printers have the capacity to do just that; to move us into another phase of education in schools. "Why not us, and why not now?".
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