"While new technology can be quite scary, especially to those older generations who have a tendency to be less keen on changing their ways, changes need to be made, and the introduction of 3D printing into schools is one of these that should be taken into consideration by every single school in the world. "
-Eddie Krassenstein, Why 3D Printing Needs to Take Off in Schools Around the World, 2014.
-Eddie Krassenstein, Why 3D Printing Needs to Take Off in Schools Around the World, 2014.
Using Tinkercad and Thingiverse, two free open source outlets, we explored 3D printing and how the innovative technology can do more than produce interesting items- it can really improve lives. During my time spent tinkering with 3D printing, I created a collection of art material adaptors with special needs students in mind, or anyone who may struggle with motor skills. 3D printing has created a way for any type of learner to succeed through redefinition of the products we have at hand. I designed a variety of adaptors, considering the varying levels of need. Some artists will need more to grip on to, so ridges are added. Others may just need something thicker than a pencil's form offers, so an egg shape would suit them. There is also a difference in the size of the hole in the adaptor, assuming that each material using the adaptor will vary in width. The idea is that they will be able to slide in to the adaptor, and the creator will have an easier time grasping their materials. Art has become more accessable for all levels of need, motor skill, and progression through this redefinition of the typical art supply.
Tinkercad is a free website used for the design of objects for 3D printing. Built in a fashion that is extremely user friendly, projects can be created from dragging and dropping shapes and holes to stack, build, and interact with one another. Tutorials are provided for further instruction and ultimate productivity. Thingiverse is another free website that is a platform for the publishing of 3D model designs created through Tinkercad (or elsewhere) for sharing of ideas. Downloads are available and the designs can then be ordered and sent to 3D printers so that users can physically have these products to use. Because of this, a larger community of creaters will benefit from unique minds working both together and individually in our valued world wide classroom. Change begins to happen, and redefinition of the way we teach and learn stems from this.
Tinkercad is a free website used for the design of objects for 3D printing. Built in a fashion that is extremely user friendly, projects can be created from dragging and dropping shapes and holes to stack, build, and interact with one another. Tutorials are provided for further instruction and ultimate productivity. Thingiverse is another free website that is a platform for the publishing of 3D model designs created through Tinkercad (or elsewhere) for sharing of ideas. Downloads are available and the designs can then be ordered and sent to 3D printers so that users can physically have these products to use. Because of this, a larger community of creaters will benefit from unique minds working both together and individually in our valued world wide classroom. Change begins to happen, and redefinition of the way we teach and learn stems from this.