Forging 5.0-Ready Educators:

 Leveraging the Potential of Innovative 3D Printing Technology to Transform Tomorrow's Classrooms Today.

3D Printing was at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With the explosion of low-cost 3D printers, the possibilities 3D Printing could bring to the classroom seemed endless. However, in reality, 3D printers are machines that need to be monitored and require tweaking and maintenance. As an educator, this requires a skill set, time, and resources. 

But today, we head into a new era…

Welcome to Industry 5.0. With the integration of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, 3D printers are getting smarter, faster, safer, and more reliable. As educators in Australia, your role in this revolution is not just important; it's crucial. Your decision in selecting the most suitable 3D printer directly influences students' learning experience and safety, making you an integral part of this transformative journey. 

Here are factors to consider in choosing 3D printers:

1. When choosing a 3D printer, safety should be your paramount concern. Features with fully enclosed designs with active carbon filters reduce the exposure to odors and Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), moving parts, and hot surfaces. These features not only provide a reassuring sense of security but also demonstrate your commitment to ensuring your students' safety, instilling confidence in your choice. 
2. Low-maintenance 3D printers that are durable are a top priority. Features such as a removable hot-swappable extruder and autonomous self-calibration significantly reduce the downtime for educators.
3. The user-friendly interface of 3D printers is not just a convenience; it's a crucial aspect for the classroom. Features such as touchscreens, intuitive software, and clear navigation menus simplify the learning process for students and educators, regardless of their level of expertise in 3D Printing. This feature enhances the 3D printer's accessibility and usability, making it a valuable tool in an educational setting. 
4. Low noise. In a classroom environment, particularly when multiple printers are in use, the volume and frequency of noise can become distracting and tiresome for educators and students. Low-noise 3D printers are essential. Some of the latest 3D printers now have a low-noise option at the click of a button. 
5. Schools should prioritize security by selecting a 3D printer without cloud-based software. Cloud-based software can pose potential risks to data security and privacy and the possibility of unauthorized access to the printer. Educators can better protect their students' work and personal information by ensuring that projects remain within the school's network. 

Here are some of the latest 3D printer models that meet the mentioned criteria: 

Creality_K1C

Key features include -

• Large build volume in a compact size
• Fully autonomous calibration
• AI-assisted print monitoring and foreign object detection.
• Quick swap nozzle system
• High speed
• Silent mode
• Diverse material options

Flashforge_Adventurer 5M Pro 

Key features include -

• Hot-swappable hot end
• Dual active carbon filters
• Auto calibration
• High speed

MakerBot_Sketch

Key features include -

• Hot-swappable hot end
• Auto calibration
• Packages include facilitator and student training programs

These models are part of the new generation of high-speed 3D printers with inbuilt features that ensure safety. These features include a user-friendly interface, great safety features, low maintenance, and the ability to monitor 3D printing jobs. 

3D printers are not just a tool but a transformative technology expected to revolutionize various industries. It starts with education as the base, offering students valuable adaptability, experimentation, and agility skills. Students proficient in 3D technology gain a competitive advantage in their future careers, as they can create ideas, models, artwork, and solutions that will be assets in their workplaces. This potential for career advancement should inspire and motivate you, educators, to incorporate 3D Printing into your classrooms, recognizing the long-term benefits for your students and the exciting possibilities it opens up. 

But wait, how can educators ensure students receive proper training and supervision when using 3D printers? 

Specific resources and guidelines are available to help educators integrate 3D Printing into the curriculum effectively. Some of these include:

Thingiverse Education - Webinars, Online Training for Teachers

https://www.thingiverse.com/education

The open source educators dream! Thingiverse Education is a collection of over 140 lessons sorted by grade and subject. These lesson plans have been put together by teachers around the globe before being approved by Thingiverse's education specialists, bringing you the highest quality lesson plans from around the world – completely free! From Thingiverse Education, you can also connect with fellow educators online to discuss best practices, exchange tips, or learn how to remix projects for your class.

MakerBot in the Classroom – Downloadable Training Guide

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ezrbqlhjjtbuxra/MakerBot%20in%20the%20Classroom.pdf?dl=0

Makerbot in the Classroom is a free guide to schools starting with 3D Printing and is beneficial with schools that have or are looking at getting Makerbots with the in-depth guide to the Replicators, but with plenty of resources for any school looking at getting started with 3D printers.

XYZ K-12 Project Guide

https://www.dropbox.com/s/di74e3yk48l5is1/k-12Guide.pdf?dl=0

The XYZ-12 Project Guide is a free collection of project ideas for teachers working with students. Let's get creative! These resources provide step-by-step guides, lesson plans, and project ideas to help you incorporate 3D Printing into various subjects.

Educators, we have a unique opportunity to prepare your students for the future by incorporating the above-said features of 3D printers into their workspaces. This proactive step can empower you to enhance your teaching methods and equip your students with valuable skills. Let us help get them to you!