3D Printing Boot Camp: Tinkerine Rolls Out Mobile iOS App for Schools

As 3D printing becomes all the rage, and also becomes more affordable and easily accessible, many learning institutions are jumping on the bandwagon, either adding funds for the new technology into their budgets as that becomes more realistic, or due to public or private grants, they are able to add 3D printers to their labs and libraries after deliberating and shopping for the best fit in their educational scenario.

While the journey of planning and setting up for the 3D printer can be as exciting as its arrival at a school, once it does arrive, all nice and bright and shiny–does anyone actually know how to use it, besides what they’ve seen on YouTube? Before anyone starts unpacking the filament and heading to the 3D printer, a bit of training must ensue for not only the students, but for the teachers as well.

And so –thanks to Tinkerine Studios, Ltd.—it’s off to boot camp, armed with the iPad.

Now, both on and off campus, students and teachers can use the Tinkerine U Training app, free for the iPad, to experience four different ‘boot camp lessons.’ Following Tinkerine’s mission to empower students and teachers through 3D design and 3D printing, as well as delving into the values of STEM education, the app educates all involved in the basics of 3D modeling and 3D printing.

Armed with their iPads, enthusiasm and curiosity, students and teachers can download the new free app from the Apple App Store, and get started. Tinkerine designed the app to be used by middle-school and high-school teachers whether they are mobile or working in the classroom. The introductory concepts were designed for the app by educators and industry experts including notable, Todd Blatt.

“Tinkerine U Training integrates 3D printing into schools and provides engaging academic content for all ages. We believe that our Tinkerine U Training app will leverage our investment in our industry leading Tinkerine U educational platform that we plan to launch in March 2015,” said CEO Eugene Suyu. “We are confident that this combination of accessibility and content will drive sales in the growing 3D Printing market and the $107 billion online training market.”

The app is also streamlined to work with Tinkerine’s award winning Ditto Pro 3D printer as an operating guide, available for free here.

“Many schools that are interested in 3D printers also have iPads for their students. The Tinkerine U Training iPad app provides students with a meaningful learning experience that can be used inside and outside of the classroom,” said Liz Arum, Tinkerine’s Education Coordinator.

With the iPad being such an intuitive tool for students and adults of all ages, not to mention ubiquitous, offering the app and making it available on this platform is definitely the way to educate, and spread their brand to the world. Headquartered in Canada, Tinkerine is known not only for their 3D printers in the private sector, but greatly for their efforts in bringing 3D printing to students and promoting STEM education.

What do you think of the mobile app as a tool for 3D printing? Do you attend a school or know anyone who is currently learning about 3D printing in the secondary to collegiate level? Tell us your thoughts in the Tinkerine U Training iPad App forum over at 3DPB.com.