A Little Bit of Context
The 3DPrintED project tackles the disparity between policy support and actual adoption of 3D printing technology in education across partner countries. In Italy, despite government initiatives like the National Operational Programme (2014-2020) to foster digital learning, few schools have implemented 3D printers, revealing a gap between intention and execution. In the Czech Republic, private efforts promote 3D printing education, but limited capacity and a lack of explicit government support hinder integration. Portugal follows a broader European pattern, where interest in 3D printing is rising, yet government initiatives and structured support are lacking, restricting its adoption in school curricula. The project seeks to bridge these gaps and enhance 3D printing’s role in education.
The 3DPrintED project seeks to bridge the gap in the use of 3D printing technology in education. Many sch1ools have the equipment but lack the necessary skills to integrate it into teaching. To address this, the project provides practical training and support, enabling teachers to gradually adopt 3D printing without disrupting existing methods. By promoting a dual teaching approach, it helps educators integrate this technology smoothly and confidently, emphasizing that 3D printing enhances rather than replaces traditional teaching. Ultimately, the project aims to empower teachers with the tools and confidence to enrich student learning through innovation.
The Objectives
The 3D project aims to develop both an innovative, comprehensive and customized methodology framework on 3D printing that will practically facilitate STEM teachers to use it in every-day classroom activities. The specific objectives of the project has been designed as follows :
SO2
Developing a comprehensive and customised methodological framework on 3D Printing
SO3
Training of STEM Teachers for effective integration in classrooms
SO4
Testing 3DPrintED methodology to assess suitability with the target groups and potential for transferability to other learners.
SO5
Promoting 3DPrinted projects and informing about its goals, materials, and results.
An Innovative Proposal
The 3DPrintED project takes an innovative approach to addressing the gap between the availability of 3D printing technology and its effective integration into education. While 3D printers have been present in schools for years, many teachers lack the skills and confidence to use them in their teaching. The project responds to this challenge by equipping educators with the necessary knowledge, ensuring that 3D printing is not just an available resource but an actively utilized tool in the classroom.
Unlike general technology-based initiatives, the project is designed to meet real educational needs. Many teachers are hesitant to adopt new technologies due to uncertainty, lack of training, or fear of disrupting their current methods. By providing structured support, hands-on training, and practical implementation strategies, the project makes 3D printing adoption more accessible and ensures that teachers can integrate it without overhauling their existing curriculum.
A key strength of the project is its ease of implementation, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Its methodology prioritizes user-friendliness, allowing educators to adopt 3D printing gradually while achieving tangible and measurable outcomes. Moreover, its design ensures that the benefits extend beyond the project’s duration, empowering teachers with lasting skills and resources to continue integrating 3D printing into their specific teaching environments.
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
German writer, poet, playwright, thinker and statesman