EETA3-D Printing

Randy HaneyITEC 7445Kennesaw State UniversitySummer Semester 2014

What is 3-D Printing?*3-D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The 3-D printer is a machine that makes physical objects on your desktop without any paper or ink. The creation of a 3-D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material, usually plastic, until the entire object is created.

What is the purpose of 3-D printing?

*3-D printing allows users to create an image. Many of these images serve as models, for example. Users can print off an object, in 3-D (picture of someone’s knee, for example) and make additional discoveries. 3-D printing provides additional hands-on opportunities for students. Students will have an model readily available to facilitate what they just discussed/read about.

How does 3-D printing support the vision for technology use in our

school/system?*At the present time, my school/system does not have a mission statement about our vision for technology. There is some information on our system website that may support 3-D printing: The Gordon County School System is continuing the focus on Instructional Technology while continuing to focus on ways to enhance a variety of interactive educational software and on-line databases (http://www.gcbe.org/?DivisionID=14255&DepartmentID=15582) . With this philosophy, our system would welcome a 3-D printer as it will greatly enhance instructional technology in all grades and in all subjects.

Age and grade level

*3-D printing can be used in all grades, K-12, and in college. Though not all 3 -D printers are universal, one must be careful when selecting a particular type of 3-D printer. It is recommended that teachers handle printing in the early stages, usually in grades K-3. Students in a robotics class or an engineering class may utilize a more expensive variety which closely meets the needs of the learner. Usually, students pay a technology fee in college so that departments may make such purchases.

*Best way to ensure equitable access for students and teachers:

-discuss safety issues and how to properly care for such a device. Not all printers are eco friendly and some may require extra attention.

Equipment and software

*Presently, 3-D printers are not available in stores for the general public, with the exception of select Home Depot stores in California, Illinois, and New York. Otherwise, one would have to purchase online.

*Waxes and polymers needed instead of traditional inkjet. No news as to how often waxes/polymers need to be replaced.

*Comes with Computer-aided design (CAD) software. No additional computer purchases necessary.

*Plastic or other consumable materials instead of printer paper. 3-D printers print an image, in layers, onto these materials, thus creating a final product.

Equipment and software-Continued

*May need to purchase additional nozzles (depending on the brand of 3-D printer that one has) so that fluid used to print off layers onto materials prints out smoothly and efficiently. Because these printers are continuing to develop, it is not known at the present time how often nozzles need to be replaced.

*May need to purchase stronger surge protectors, especially if printed layers take a much longer time to process and run the risk of blown fuses.

*Presently, 3-D printers are sold to the industry sector and to some education facilities. 3-D printers for home use are being developed but not currently available.

Technical support for teachers, administrators, and students

*EnvisionTec can offer teachers online training (cost not listed) instead of attending at a facility.

*Another company, Afinia 3-D, has a technical support staff available M-F. One may also complete an online submission form if there are further issues not addressed by their FAQ sections.

*Schools/systems may establish Professional Learning opportunities for their staff in the operation and maintenance for 3-D printers.

Limitations *Can be very time consuming to print, especially if having to print in multiple layers.

*The rate of electrical energy may experience a substantial increase with the extra work/effort required by the printer. Administrators and those who work in the finance department and monitor budgets would have to approve additional expenses. May have to specify how often and how much to print.

*Actual image sizes printed to scale, depending on the type of printer Currently, most printers will only print up to certain diameters (up to about twenty four inches for all three dimensions).

Cost for 3-D printing?*Printers can range up to $7,000 . For educational purposes, several 3-D printers start from $500 and can go up to $2,500 The smaller scale versions, up to $1,000 ,are more than adequate for a classroom. Thus, for one classroom, we will say $1,000 (still fairly new technology and price is expected to drop within the next three to five years).

*EnvisionTec can offer teachers online training (cost not listed) instead of attending at a facility (closest facility to the Atlanta area is the Detroit facility).

*Another company, Afinia 3-D, has a technical support staff available M-F. One may also complete an online submission form if there are further issues not addressed by the FAQ sections (cost for this service is not listed).Many companies will offer price reductions for the education sector.

Potential funding for 3-D printing?

*Website-www.gofundme.com -Teachers/administrators can establish funding opportunities with this website. There is no monthly upkeep for this website.

Post on social media, school/system website and have people donate.

*PTA fundraisers-Have school fundraisers (hat day, pajama day etc.) and collect proceeds to purchase printer.

*School account funds-Any allocated funds or administrative funds remaining at the end of the school year can go towards a purchase.

*Find a business in the community who might be willing to help.

Research based learner centered strategies

*Assuming a school operates under the workshop model, students can use the closing section of the model to explain/describe concepts to other students. The student assumes the role of teacher during this time. Students may manipulate their printouts and continue discussions with the class.

*During the worktime session of the workshop model, the teacher will have students make predictions about the models/representations that they printed. Students may compare their model printouts to other model printouts in the classroom. Students discuss their findings/discoveries and communicate their thoughts with other classmates.

* Students can create printouts that are meaningful and relevant in their lives as they make connections to what is currently being studied.

Authentic Learning

*Students produce quality work. Students who process information very slowly or who are deeply introverted will have an opportunity to produce engaging work and showcase their talents.

* Students move from a performance oriented context to a mastery oriented context. Students no longer have to feel that they can complete an assignment for the sake of finishing their work. Instead, students become masters of a domain and have a model/representation at their disposal to deepen their understanding.

*Allow students to make mistakes with their products. Mistakes, at least in science, serve as excellent learning opportunities and help students become more analytical about their work. In turn, students can explain why a concept worked or did not work.

Higher Order Thinking

*Students can analyze their printed models/representations. If a student has a printout of an atom, for example, they can ask the class how they know if this atom has the appropriate number of protons, electrons, and neutrons. Additionally, students can “intentionally” create a model of an atom with incorrect/missing information and have students correctly recreate an atom. Finally, students will evaluate their own models of an atom to determine if their setup is correctly modeled.

*As students create a product from the 3-D printer, students have additional opportunities to make predictions should students later alter the model/representation of their printouts. Also, students can evaluate, for example, how much additional water one needs to weaken an acid.

Differentiation

*Students will have a choice to make a presentation on their actual printout instead of writing a report or preparing a Prezi or PowerPoint.

*Printed models/representations give students a visual that will help with any study guides/notes. In addition, the use of this technology becomes assistive technology in an IEP, which will enhance student learning.

*Teachers have additional flexibility by adding the use of a 3-D printer as part of a student menu/choice board on how they want to complete an assignment.

How can 3-D printing be used in the classroom by teachers?

*Students in science, for example, would have a model/representation of an object. Students would be better prepared to discuss concepts among their peers. Students could manipulate objects in order to test the scientific method and ask deeper, thought provoking standards.

*Students in math may create tangrams and other geometric shapes.

*In Social Studies, students may print out representations of a U.S. map

or state. Students may compare/contrast, for example, Native Americans and where they lived. One higher order thinking question a student may ask is, “How would the Seminoles alter their life style had they lived where the Inuits lived?”

*ELA- students will conduct better writing samples as they will be able to explain, in writing, how a process/concept works.

How can 3-D printing be used in the classroom by teachers?-Continued

*ISTE Standards for students:

-use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues. (creativity and innovation).

-contribute to project teams to produce original work or solve problems (communication and collaboration).

-process data and report results (research and information fluency).

-use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions (critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making).

-demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning (digital citizenship).

-transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies (technology operations and concepts).

How can 3-D printing be used in the classroom by teachers?- Continued

*Students may collaborate with other students in the classroom to compare/contrast models. By using the scientific method to alter their models, students will ask more thought provoking questions.

*Students can create their own class airplane and discuss their components (lift, thrust, drag) and have a flying contest to determine which plane flew for the longest time. Students then determine ways to make a better plane and what they could have don’t to make the plane more effective.

*Students may create examples of the six types of simple machines and create learning stations.

How can 3-D printing be used in the classroom by teachers?- Continued

*ELL, SPED, SST, and 504 students: would have tangible items to utilize. A great way to accommodate and follow their IEP’s.

*Students may pair with other students for assistance with their presentations.

How can 3-D printing be used in the classroom by teachers?- Continued

*Promotes communication with potential employers, colleges, and members of the community by experiencing first hand how easy one can make a prototype of practically any object.

*Schools can create a themed night (Science night) after school and have students display their work to the community.

*Students share new learning experiences with other students/parents and become more effective communicators and can better analyze topics and assist others.

Research available on the effectiveness of 3-D printing in a school environment

*In the United Kingdom, one study showed that the use of 3-D printing encouraged cross-curricular thinking in math and science. Students learned through a trial and error basis when developing small, three dimensional objects to help learn new concepts. Students became more active in the learning process as they created a model/representation of what they learned in math/science.

*Some schools in the United Kingdom reported that many low achieving students in math could produce tangible results much more quickly. These students were considered to have poor concentration. These students now had more opportunities to explore more complex ideas in math as they manipulated their tangible product.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/251439/3D_printers_in_schools.pdf

Safe, Healthy, Legal & Ethical Issues 

*Not all 3-D printers are eco-friendly. Fumes may linger after printing and/or produce other pollutants (smoke, for example). No ill effects have been reported at the present time; however, this technological advance is still in the early stages. Prolonged exposure to fumes/smoke may result in potential health concerns and possible legal ramifications, especially in the event of a class action lawsuit.

*Controversies over bioprinting, especially stem cells. Such use may offend certain religious organizations, claiming someone would “play God”.

*For “Do it yourself chemists”: Potential for creating illegal drugs and unprescribed medicines. Such printouts would distort Red Ribbon Week as well as students who may pledge to remain drug free.

Safe, Healthy, Legal & Ethical Issues-Continued 

*Students will need to wear gloves as a precaution. Objects may be very hot soon after printing. Thus, students do not need to directly touch objects soon after printing is completed.

*Students will need to wear eye goggles when handling recently printed materials. Potentially, plastic may “pop” a substance into a student’s eyes.

*Students and parents will need to sign an agreement, stating that they understand what the device is and that they are aware that such device will be used in the classroom (no oral notices accepted). If an agreement is not returned or not signed, that student will not work directly with the printer.

Professional Learning

*Many of these printing companies offer workshops for their products but do not necessarily offer professional development/learning opportunities at a school level. Often times, these workshops can cost up to $1,000. However, once a teacher demonstrates mastery of a 3-D printer, he/she, in conjunction with and approval of the school system, may offer professional development within the following parameters:

-What is 3-D printing and which printer works best for my classroom needs? During this module, teachers will research the types of printers available, compare prices, and read customer reviews.

-Set up and use. Teachers will have an opportunity to create their own models/representations. Teachers will make self discoveries in a “guided” tour. Furthermore, teachers will know how to care for and provide necessary maintenance for the printer.

Professional Learning-Continued

*Once the professional learning opportunities end, teachers may collaborate if they have any remaining questions or concerns. Also, teachers may access any troubleshooting guides, if available, or access online technical support.

Plan for implementing 3-D printing-

Pilot*The school system’s purchasing/finance department will contact vendors about negotiating a purchase price. In addition to negotiating a purchase price, the system will need to also negotiate the following with respect to pricing:

-warranty information

-offer online training videos

-offer online technical support

-provide additional product components (any fluids, additional nozzles, cleaning agents, etc.)

-purchasing/lease terms and agreements

Plan for implementing 3-D printing-

Pilot: Continued*Since this technology is relatively new, especially in the realm of education, schools will receive a thirty day grace period with the most recent printer. If the printer meets the expectations of the agreed upon conditions, the school system will adhere to the remaining terms of the contract/agreement.

*School systems will also negotiate product enhancement, especially as new technology emerges. Furthermore, schools will have the option, without penalty, to upgrade their current printers every two to three years to the most recent technological advances. Schools will receive a trade in for their printer at the current market value, less depreciation, for the new equipment.

Plan for implementing 3-D printing-

Pilot: Continued*Teachers will provide feedback to administrators as well as the contracted vendor to further determine product effectiveness on ease of product as well as the impact on student achievement. Furthermore, teachers will ask for student feedback on a regular basis about what they like about the printer, what could make it better, and any additional input. Students may complete surveys via the survey monkey website or write their thoughts in a journal.

*Continue to offer professional learning opportunities as new technology continues to develop. Teachers and administrators should have a general yet basic understanding of how to utilize a 3-D printer and to provide required maintenance, as needed.

Plan for implementing 3-D printing-

Pilot: Continued*Maintain quality checks on the printer to ensure that it continues to work at optimal level.

*Staff may want to create a checklist (unless already furnished by the vendor) for procedures.

*Depending on the grade level and maturity of students, teachers and administrators will make a judgment call whether or not students should operate this printer.

Reflection on 3 D printing*3-D printing has the potential to greatly enhance student learning. Students can create objects and manipulate those objects to see how concepts work, for example, in math and science. Students become active learners and create representations to facilitate learning. Students can then lead class discussions and have a better understanding of their product.

*With proper research, and substantial documentation, I now feel very confident in presenting opportunities before a committee/board/administration. By analyzing data from the schools in the United Kingdom, one can determine the high level of success in the classroom, from grades K-12 as well as in college. Though this printer is expensive and new technology continues to develop, many experts believe the price of the printer will start to decline over the next couple of years. One has to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of making such purchases for the benefit of students.