3-D Printing in Education: Building New Pathways for Learning Dr. Lisa Wadors Verne Benetech Global Literacy June 14, 2016

Benetech Global Literacy Solutions These projects are supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (Award Number H327D120002). Opinions expressed herein are those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the position of the U.S. Department of Education. BORN ACCESSIBLE

A Critical Strategy All materials Born Digital Must be Born Accessible

Multi Modality Students experiences can be enhanced when we pair words and representations to convey a concept (Fletcher and Tobias, 2005; Mayer, 2002) The most successful leaning environments are those that use multimodal presentations (Moreno and Meyer, 2007)

How does 3D Printing Work? Objects are constructed using a layering process Objects are printed using various materials such as: rubber, metal, plastics, even hot cacao powder Video (1:35 min): Will 3D Printing Change the World?

Advantages of 3D Printing ● If you can imagine it you can print it ● Latest in providing accessible images ● 3D printing adds another dimension of depth to traditional images & opens doors for multimodal learning

3D Printing Stages Design Print Pedagogy

When Should You Print? Too big, too small, too fragile, too dangerous…

Should I Print? “… just because you have a 3D printer, it doesn’t mean that everything needs to be 3D printed.” -Gary Berke, MS, CP, FAAOP

Who Benefits From a 3D Printed Model? All learners can benefit from a model to explore. Learners need different approaches to learn new concepts. Learners with different abilities also need these learning tools, and use them in various ways. Video – Chelsea Cook

Learners Who Are Blind or Who Have Low Vision 3D printed model helps when: Actual object is not available to explore through touch (too small, large, fragile, dangerous, not in proximity) Process, stages, or progression are involved Moveable and/or removable parts are incorporated (e.g. model of the eye, electricity through a circuit)

Learners Who Are Blind or Who Have Low Vision 3D printed model does not help when … it is a stand-alone source of information (learner is expected to explore independently and understand concept) the 3D object attempts to duplicate a 2D image (a raised outline map) the results are 2.5D – not fully 3D (showing only one face of the object)

Learners who are deaf or hard of hearing 3D printed model helps when: learner also has a reading deficit that results in difficulty understanding a caption or other written material in relation to actual object learner has difficulty understanding sign language interpreter's explanation learner's first language is not English/ASL

Learners who are deaf or hard of hearing 3D printed model does not help when: learner has same access to object as other students and that meets their needs for comprehension

Learners with learning disabilities 3D printed model helps when:  learner with visual functioning difficulties has a hands-on opportunity to examine and manipulate object being taught more thoroughly learner with auditory processing difficulties will be able to examine up close, ask questions, listen to directions/instructions while having the opportunity to manipulate object

Learners with learning disabilities 3D printed model does not help when: object is not available for close-up examination and manipulation, but just for viewing at a distance

Learners with physical disabilities  Actual object or parts of it are not accessible for viewing Using technology (e.g. microscope) is difficult for motor abilities

All Learners  Each learner has different skills. Encourage learner to use the 3D object as needed for a better understanding. The opportunity to ask questions and have discussion is very important in gaining understanding.

When the object −has multiple complex layers or details When the object needs to be explored in 360 ° When a group of objects will be compared will be contrasted is displayed with many details 3D Printing is an Appropriate Format …

When relationship between parts is important anatomical structure chemical compound When exploring movement of parts will support understanding 3D Printing is an Appropriate Format …

Ways 3D Printing Can Be Used in Education MULTI-MODAL LEARNING PROTOTYPING & MAKERSPACES BRINGING SUBJECTS TO LIFE

3D File Repositories Many 3D file repositories already available today (not all files are open-source): 3DAGOGO Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Google Earth/SketchUp Grabcad Shapeways Smithsonian X3D Thingiverse NIH

Quick Start Guide to 3D Printing Quick intro to 3D Printing for Education What is 3D printing? Why should you consider 3D printing? How to use the Quick Start Guide Setting up a makerspace Considerations and issues around 3D printing Resources

Where Can You Find the Quick Start Guide The 3D Printing page on the Diagram website:

Future of Technology in Education DIAGRAM Center Research us

“Assistive and Instructional Technology Supporting Learners with Disabilities”