The ball on curriculum is starting to roll thanks to 3D printing giant Stratasys‘ newly released 3D
Course content includes a range of historical, economic, and practical information including: history of manufacturing; pros and cons of 3D printing’s current industrial applications; real-life scenarios that teach appropriate usage of the technology; cost-reduction strategies; economic implications; and design and 3D printing of objects not requiring assembly.
Shelly Linor, Stratasys’ Director of Global Education, noted their drive to create the new curriculum:
“We notice a strong demand coming from the industry for a curriculum focusing on 3D printing. Educators around the world now have an opportunity to make a big impact by using and contributing to our curriculum. They will also be able to better prepare their students for future careers as 3D printing is becoming an intrinsic part of the design and manufacturing processes in leading companies.”
Students utilizing Stratasys’ new curriculum will get hands-on experience as they create 3D printing projects from start to finish. The “Make Something That Moves Something” theme will be exemplified through projects intended to highlight the entire process involved in 3D design and printing for functional finished pieces with moving parts.
The theme moves the whole idea of hands-on, experiential learning to a higher level. It is widely acknowledged that people learn best by doing, and teachers of all levels are exhorted to incorporate group work, tactile projects, and process-focused learning into curricula planning. 3D printing technology provides all of these things, and US- and Singapore-based schools have already started to use this curriculum, reporting successful results.
It appears Stratasys Education has left no stone unturned, but like all curricula on a rapidly changing topic, it will no doubt be polished by its users as it becomes time-tested. Perhaps the best aspect of the curriculum is its focus on job preparation, as Stratasys focuses on careers in emerging fields where 3D printing plays a major role. The new curriculum is set to provide a solid foundation in 3D printing that can help students approach their career paths equipped with classroom and practical experience.
The future of 3D printing can only be improved with an educated public that knows how to apply the technology in practical and occupational settings. Stratasys’ “Introduction to 3D Printing: From Design to Fabrication” is an excellent addition to 3D printing education. It’s exciting to imagine what future generations will invent, as 3D printing, for them, may become as common as texting and blogging has become for us!
What do you think about this new curriculum? Is it something you’d like to see spread through schools? Let us know what you think about practical 3D printing education in classroom settings in the Stratasys Curriculum forum thread over at 3DPB.com.