3D printing is an innovative rapid prototyping technology that utilizes a 3D printer to manufacture an actual three-dimensional object. It is currently used in various industries because it is known to increase a company’s profit. However, little is yet known of its advantage in schools.
Both teachers and students need every advantage they can get in order to have a productive educational experience. In school, there must be an effective and efficient imparting of knowledge and skill from the teacher to the student.
3D printing provides new advantages that may revolutionize education. It has unique advantages that may increase the probability of a productive educational experience. Here are three advantages of 3D printing in a school setting.

Enhanced teaching aide

Visual aides are important in effective and efficient teaching. Traditionally, teachers make use of words and pictures either to illustrate a point or to provide an example. With a 3D printer, the teacher has a technologically advanced pedagogical tool at his disposal that is much better than the conventional visual aide. Instead of using mere words or pictures when giving a lecture, the teacher can now present to the class a three-dimensional object, which the students can see and touch.
As an enhanced teaching aide, 3D printing is extremely beneficial in classes wherein three dimensional models are a must see. In a World Civilization class for example, there is no better way to discuss the Taj Mahal of India than to show a miniature three-dimensional model of this oriental architecture marvel. By showing a small replica of the Taj Mahal, it is easier for the teacher to seize the interest of his students compared to just showing them a pictorial representation. It is also easier for the teacher to discuss the Taj Mahal because it is as if the structure itself is present to them. What are normally considered as boring history classes like World Civilization can now become interesting with the use of 3D printing.
3D printing as an enhanced teaching aide makes a class interesting for students. More often than not, it is when students are interested that they get to learn more in school.

Innovative student projects

Imagine a school with engineering and architecture students who have access to a 3D printer. Since 3D printing is a rapid prototyping technology, in which a physical object is constructed by a machine, the students will be able to produce realistic three-dimensional mini-models of their structural designs without having to waste time and effort trying to build those small-scale structures manually. They will also be able to identify the mistakes of their design, get to receive critiques from the teacher, and edit their projects all at a faster pace.
Aside from engineering and architecture, 3D printing is of advantage to Multi-Media Arts students. With the help of a 3D printer, their three-dimensional computer aided designs can now come to life in the real world. Now that is something new.

Interactive class activities

Another advantage of 3D printing is that there is more room for interactive class activities. The interaction is of course limited only to the imagination of the teacher and his students. In a biology class for example, the teacher through the use of a 3D printer can create a 3D model of a person’s head. As part of the activity, the class will have to supply the rest of the body parts by creating them through the use of the 3D printer.
3D printing is a ground-breaking technological advancement of our age. Since it offers novel advantages that assist in the fulfillment of a productive educational experience, it is only reasonable that schools begin utilizing 3D printers.