I read this article today about 3D Printing Reshaping Universities. Published in 2012, it seems that some universities in the US were already moving to have 3D printers into libraries. The philosophy behind it seems to be that libraries were once a public space where people were able to interact with new technologies. However, in the past, libraries became places of quiet contemplation and books which changed much of this.
Working at a university, the libraries are much different to what they used to be. Whole floors are now dedicated to a community environment where students can come in, interact, use the wi-fi for their assignments or just surfing youtube while sipping coffee.
Opening up 3D printers in universities seems to be a way to bring students of disparate faculties together to try out their design creativity. I really like this notion of breaking down preconceptions about 3D printing and re-conceptualising them from your own perspective. It’s so easy to dismiss something as ‘too hard’ and ‘something I could never do’. I hear this a lot when it comes to science and mathematics and I really want to overcome it with my Pozible allowing teachers to come to terms with the technology of 3D printers, stopping a moment, then considering how they can apply this tool to their profession.
The article talks about students starting out with simple things such a busts of Yoda, or propellers, but further students talked about designing ways that the slowness of 3D printers could be overcome by designing new systems or new ways of printing. A science academic talks about printing molecules as a way for students understanding that molecules have a shape, something that would have greatly added to my understanding of chemistry at the time (and even now). Whatever the case, I suggest you jump into 3D printing and develop your own conception – see where it takes you đŸ™‚
Molecule Jewelry
[Image Credit: http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/192/1922507/31_2009/6b04cd3024166a2f_Molecule.preview.jpg%5D
3d Printing the Future 
