A few weeks ago I signed for a delivery that has totally changed the way I think about a hot topic in educational technology. I’m no stranger to skepticism of technology in the classroom. As someone who travels to schools to support teachers with technology integration and who wrote a book on QR Codes, I find great joy in watching the “ah-ha” moments on someone’s face as they get it. It’s so fulfilling to see a teacher’s wheels spinning after they’ve been introduced to a new concept or tool and start to think about the way technology tools can totally transform learning in their classroom.
So this package came to my door and I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I knew it was coming and I was excited, but also a pretty hesitant to dive into a new project. The folks at Makerbot had reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try their Replicator+. I said yes and now there was a massive box sitting in my tiny living room.
Well… setting up Makerbot’s printer was so easy. They have a mobile app I opened on my iPhone that took me step-by-step through the entire process. Instead of a pamphlet of directions this app had super quick videos on the screen. It didn’t take long to set up filament, connect to my wireless network and print out a test item.
- It’s really easy to get started. In just a couple hours with my Makerbot Replicator+ I was totally up and running and printing items I found on Thingiverse – Makerbot’s site for sharing 3D print designs.
- There are lots of resources for teachers on Thingiverse’s education page including lesson plans and inspiration for the type of items you can print.
- Students can design their own 3D printable items using tools like Tinkercad on a web browser. I’m just starting to scratch the surface with this tool and have found it pretty easy to use and my prints have been successful.
- Teachers are using 3D printing in so many different ways. I’ll profile more in upcoming posts but right now my mind is totally blown with Karen Bosch’s Flat Stanley 3D printing adventures – learn more here.
- Students can see a real-world application for math in minutes. Making connections to the real world is essential for creating a sense of purpose for your students.
- Your class can become problem solvers with 3D printing, designing solutions for issues that arise in everyday situations.
Right now I’m falling into the category of the crazy lady who pulls out things from their purse to show anyone who will listen. If you’ve run into me at a conference while I’ve been on the road the past few weeks, it’s pretty likely that I’ve reached into my bag to show you a keychain I customized or the Apple Watch charger stand I found on Thingiverse. Over the next few months I’m going to share my 3D printing journey in a series of special posts – sign up here to get my weekly newsletter in your inbox and keep up with my 3D adventures!
I want to hear from you! Share your 3D printing stories in the comments below.
The team at MakerBot sent me this printer to try out and blog about :) Learn more
cross posted at classtechtips.com
Monica Burns is a fifth grade teacher in a 1:1 iPad classroom. Visit her website at classtechtips.com for creative education technology tips and technology lesson plans aligned to the Common Core Standards.
