PrintLab Launches 3D Printing Digital Badge Certifications and Platform Updates
In recent months, we've been working hard behind the scenes on several updates to our 3D printing learning platform for educators, students and makers from all backgrounds. The updates are now live and we are so excited to share them with you. Let's dive right in!
15th November 2024 • News
Updated Course Library Layout
Our updated courses page now allows for clearer navigation between our 3 course types – mini courses, projects, and challenges. Difficulty levels and estimated project times are also listed directly within the library under each resource. And finally, mini courses are now laid out in a structured learning pathway that goes from beginner concepts to advanced mechanisms.
Quizzes and Certificates
Each mini course now ends with a knowledge-check assessment quiz. If you score 70% or above in the quiz, you can download a certificate. This feature is available to all users, including students!
Tools Library
Our ‘Methods’ section, which previously consisted of a library of design thinking activities, has undergone a huge transformation. This section of the site is now called ‘Tools’ and includes not only design thinking methods, but all the individual design activities, tips, templates and tutorials from all PrintLab courses.
You (and students) will become familiar with many of these tools when working through PrintLab courses, but we created the tools library so you can easily find and use them independently in other courses too. Whether you need design methods for generating ideas, CAD techniques to add movement to their models, or tips for troubleshooting failed prints, you can browse the toolkit and find the solutions you need.
Certification Program
A brand new certification program is now in place, which involves submitting evidence of successfully completing mini courses, projects and challenges to obtain industry-recognised credentials in the form of digital badges. There are 2 versions of the program – one for educators and one for designers (including students). Both versions offer three stages, each building your expertise.
These verifiable and shareable micro-credentials are ideal for showcasing on your email signature, resume, social media, or digital portfolio, allowing you to highlight your skills to peers, employers, educational institutions, and the broader community.
We know welcome you to watch our new user guide video, which covers the changes in more details. The user guide video for teachers can be viewed below, and if you’re a maker or hobbyists, check out the personal license user guide here.
Student Privacy
As part of PrintLab’s commitment to student privacy, our platform can still be used without requiring students to submit any personally identifiable information through the use of our share link feature. However, for students to obtain certificates and digital badges, parental consent forms (available for download on our learning platform) must be signed and submitted to PrintLab.
In line with this, we have made some updates to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. We encourage you to take the time to review these changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@weareprintlab.com.
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We hope you are as excited as us about the new updates and if you’re new to PrintLab, click below to get started on your free trial!