Hi! I'm Thom Conaty - Project Based Learning R&D Leader at British International School Ukraine. I ran a company that developed tools and products for the DIY electronics market. We needed to prototype enclosures without sending to China, so learning 3D printing (using TinkerCAD) and 3D printing was the obvious choice.
PBL Leader
PrintLab Pioneer
How my Students use 3D Printing
Our students use 3D printing for a huge number of uses including as part of an assistive technology module, creating game pieces, replicas of biological and historical items and to provide solutions for their school community and personal lives.
The Importance of 3D Printing in Education
As part of a rapid prototyping environment, 3D printing provided a practical method for students to rapidly test ideas while developing collaboration, design and engineering skills.
My Thoughts on PrintLab Classroom
The layout of the Printlab Classroom is clear and logically structured. I have found their use of various media to communicate and support the learning journey, and appreciation of Design Thinking principles to be conducive to a successful learning outcomes when deployed in a Constructivist learning environment.
My Advice for Teachers Getting Started with 3D Printing
Always go with simple, well designed, well supported and reliable.