3D PRINTING
Hey everyone,
What a great discussion topic! I'm excited to share some of my thoughts and experiences with 3D printing. This technology has some fascinating implications for the social studies classroom, especially when we think about things like innovation, the economy, and intellectual property.
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Here are my replies to the discussion board questions:
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1) After reading these teacher perspectives, share in the forum your own experience with 3D printers. Have you used one? Does your school have one? Is this a purchase you are willing to back - Yes/No?
I've had a bit of experience with them, and our school is lucky enough to have a few. I have to say, it's a purchase I would definitely back. As the blog post mentions, it can seem daunting at first, but with resources like "done for you" designs and lessons, it's so much more accessible. The engagement with the students has been incredible.
2) eLearning and 3D printing. Can teachers adequately teach these skills in an eLearning environment?
This is a great question. Based on the reading, it seems like teachers can absolutely teach 3D printing skills in an eLearning environment. Combining 3D printing with eLearning creates an interactive experience that helps students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Students can design their models at home using software, and then the teacher can have a designated 3D printer for everyone's projects, or, as the intro text mentioned, they could send them to a city library. It's a great way to "fuse the digital and the physical".
3) What are the environmental implications of printing plastic?
This is an important topic to bring up. Most 3D printers use plastic filament, and we know that plastic waste is a huge global issue. The process itself can create waste, from failed prints to support structures that are thrown away. It’s a great teachable moment to discuss sustainability and responsible consumption with our students.
4) What steps can students and teachers take to ensure that their use of 3-D printing technology is responsible and sustainable?
To make sure we're being responsible, we can encourage students to think carefully about what they are printing and why. Is it a useful tool or just a novelty item? We can also use eco-friendly filaments made from recycled or biodegradable materials. Minimizing failed prints and recycling waste are also good habits to establish.
5) A blog post from a classroom teacher sharing their experiences with a 3D printer in the classroom.
What an inspiring story about bringing a 3D printer into the classroom! I love the idea of starting with "done for you" designs to make it easier to get started and get students engaged right away.
6) 3D printing from home, eLearning: (PAGE TO REFER TO NOT FOUND)
The attached files didn't have a specific page for this, but building on what the eLearningindustry.com site discussed, you can totally do 3D printing from home. Students can use free software to create their designs, and then either send them to a teacher to print, or use a local public library's printer. It makes the technology much more accessible and allows for a hands-on experience even when students are remote.
7) After reading these teacher perspectives, share in the forum your own experience with 3D printers. Have you used one? Does your school have one? Is this a purchase you are willing to back - Yes/No?
Just like my answer to question one, I'd have to say yes. Having a few 3D printers in the school has been a great addition to our technology department. It's so cool to see how excited the students get when they see their digital designs become real objects. It's not a cheap purchase, but the educational value is definitely worth it.
8) eLearning and 3D printing. Can teachers adequately teach these skills in an eLearning environment?
Yes, they definitely can! As mentioned in the article, 3D printing can be used to provide hands-on and customized learning experiences even in an eLearning environment. Students can design models from home and then get them printed for a tangible product that helps them visualize concepts, like machine parts or models of organs.
9) What are the environmental implications of printing plastic?
I'm glad this question was repeated, because it's so important! The most significant environmental issue is the use of plastic filament. Many of the materials are not easily biodegradable, and failed prints contribute to plastic waste. This is a great opportunity for a classroom discussion on consumerism and sustainability.
10) What steps can students and teachers take to ensure that their use of 3-D printing technology is responsible and sustainable?
To be responsible and sustainable, we can focus on being mindful of our designs. We can also research and use recycled or plant-based filaments whenever possible. Encouraging students to fix their failed prints and to reuse discarded filament when they can are also great habits to teach.
11) Are there intellectual property rights that restrict you from scanning and reproducing a missing piece of LEGO?
This is a fantastic question for a social studies class! LEGO has trademarks and patents on their bricks. While it might seem harmless to print a single missing piece for personal use, reproducing a patented or trademarked product without permission can be a violation of intellectual property rights. This brings up an interesting discussion about copyright law and how it's changing in the digital age.
Happy make-up Monday!
Mike
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