With 3D printers becoming more affordable, they also can be found more often at schools. So everything’s A-ok? Not quite. According to a recent study, nine out of ten teachers restrict the access to 3D printers.
Y Soft is an enterprise office solutions company operating in 120 countries. In November 2016, they commissioned independent research company Dimensional Research to conduct a survey to better understand how 3D printers are being used by educators in the classroom. DR interviewed more than 300 professionals responsible for 3D printers in their education institution. You can download the study “3D Printing in Education” for free (PDF version here).
Among the results, a high number of schools (87%) limit student access to 3D printing. The study also showed that educators are struggling in key areas:
- Managing and controlling access. Therefore access to the printers are restricted, defeating the purpose of student motivation, creativity, and skills.
- Managing costs and justifying the return of invest.
- Incorporating 3D printing projects into classroom curriculum.
IT Departments and Teachers Take Control of School’s 3D Printers
As a stand-alone device, 3D printing offers many benefits for students and educators alike: increased motivation and interest in the subject matter, particularly within STEAM subjects, ability to use creativity in teaching and learning and gaining skills needed for the modern workplace. But, as the study found out, it is not used to its full potential.
Here are some of the key findings of the study:
- More teachers found that it’s “very exceptional to have access to 3D printing” (58%) than “It is common to have access to 3D printing” (42%).
- 52 percent said it’s fairly easy to get access to a 3D printer, although there‘s a process. 26 percent found it fairly difficult, although students could if they had a need.
- Half of the 3D printers in educational institutions are managed by the IT department.
- 54 percent of the printers used are in a special lab with limited access. 36 percent even had a dedicated, secure room. Only 11 percent offered open access to the printers.
- 66 percent of the teaching staff use the printers occasionally for themselves (24 percent “occasionally”, 10 “not at all”).
But what are the hurdles for the teachers and IT departments? As you can see below, cost control and the implementation into the curriculum are the challenges teachers face.
It turns out the same thing happens as in the Eighties when access to computers was highly restricted. But the study ends on an optimistic note:
An opportunity exists for a comprehensive solution – a 3D printer combined with a print management and accounting systems – solutions that exist today for 2D paper printers. Additionally, the 3D printing and education industries must work together to provide educators with sets of clearly defined 3D curriculum, particularly in STEAM subjects.
Oh, and if are a teacher and want to learn more about 3D printing, please continue here.
(Source: Dealersupport)
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