Advanced Media

Screen capture software allows you to share your screen with students. Teachers can easily create videos to share with students in a virtual or hybrid setting.

3D Printing

3D Printing is an advanced media tool that can used in the classroom to increase excitement and engagement. “3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file” (3DPrinting.com, 2020). You no longer have to print on a flat piece of paper; it is now possible for teachers to create 3D objects using their computer. Instead of using ink, these printers what is displayed on your computer screen using plastic, rubber, or metal (MakerBot Industries, 2020).

ISTE Standards for Educators

Increases engagement by allowing students to see and physically touch printed items
Increases students' excitement level by seeing a new technology at work (MakerBot Industries, 2020).
Helps students build problem-solving skills as they troubleshoot and manipulate the 3D printer (MakerBot Industries, 2020).

Differentiation

Great differentiation tool for visual and kinesthetic learners because they receive hands-on experience with creating 3D products
Teachers can assign 3D design task based on students learning readiness level (Dimitriadis, 2019)
Students can work independently at their own pace

ISTE Standards for Educators

Designers:

ISTE Standard 5: “Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability” (International Society for Technology in Education, 2020).

3D Printing is an innovative way to accommodate the needs of different from learners, such as visual and kinesthetic.

Facilators:

ISTE Standard 6: “Educators facilitate learning with technology to support student achievement of the ISTE Standards for Students” (International Society for Technology in Education, 2020)

3D printing help students to achieve the following ISTE Standards:
- Innovative Designer: Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.
- Creative Communicators: Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.
- Computational Thinkers: Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.

Special Considerations

Even though, 3D printers are becoming more accessible, the average price is about $700. However, you can find an entry-level printer for about $200. Also, the 3D printer can expose teacher and students to chemicals emitted from the machine, which can lead to health problems.