Utilizing 3D Printers to Educate in Robotics and STEM Subjects
Polish Educators Embrace 3D Printing in Robotics Education
Teachers in Poland are integrating 3D printing into robotics education as part of a broader push to empower STEM learning with hands-on technology. This initiative aligns classroom learning with job training needs in STEM fields, providing students with practical experience using industry-relevant tools.
The integration of 3D printing and robotics is supported by government initiatives, strategic partnerships, and educational programs. For instance, Shape Robotics, a leading provider of educational robotics, has partnered with a leading IT distributor in Poland to equip thousands of primary schools with advanced educational robotics and 3D printing technology [1].
The Polish government also encourages STEAM education, promoting the use of modern technologies like 3D printers and robotics kits to foster digital skills, creativity, and critical thinking in students. Official teacher guides support this integration to promote hands-on learning linked to job-relevant STEM skills [1][5].
Teachers value access to real-world technologies like 3D printers and robotics kits to engage students effectively and enhance teacher confidence and creativity. Training and planning time for teachers to incorporate these technologies into lessons are critical factors highlighted for success [2].
Additional support for teachers comes through resources such as free webinars and interactive sessions focused on robotics and 3D printing education, helping educators develop practical skills to integrate these tools in the classroom [3].
Schools can select appropriate equipment, including 3D printers and microcontrollers, as part of national reforms aimed at modernizing education and aligning it with current technological demands in the workforce [5].
One teacher, Paweł Derwich, advises not solving problems for students but instead allowing them to find their own solutions. Another teacher, Sławomir Szymanowski, emphasizes the importance of students actively creating technology and technical solutions, rather than passively accepting them [4].
Szymanowski uses 3D printing in his classes at the Vocational Training Centre & School Complex No. 1 in Stargard, Poland. The 3D printer is used for repairing damaged elements in the robots, allowing students to model and print replacements. Szymanowski emphasizes that 3D printing develops spatial skills and spatial visualization, and spatial modeling through 3D printing develops teamwork, creativity, and competencies [4].
Classes that allow students to create and discover on their own are more engaging and activate students. By incorporating 3D printing into robotics education, Polish teachers are creating an environment that encourages students to learn actively and prepares them for the demands of the future workforce.
[1] "Shape Robotics and CDW-G Poland Partner to Deliver Advanced Robotics and 3D Printing Solutions to Polish Schools." Shape Robotics, 16 Mar. 2021, https://shaperobotics.com/news/shape-robotic-cdw-g-poland-partner-deliver-advanced-robotics-3d-printing-solutions-polish-schools/
[2] "3D Printing and Robotics Education in Poland." EduTech Poland, 15 Mar. 2021, https://edutechpoland.com/3d-printing-and-robotics-education-in-poland/
[3] "Webinars and Interactive Sessions for Teachers on Robotics and 3D Printing Education." Ministry of Education and Science, Poland, 14 Mar. 2021, https://www.mened.gov.pl/en/news/webinars-and-interactive-sessions-for-teachers-on-robotics-and-3d-printing-education
[4] "Szymanowski Suggests Embracing STEM Concept of Learning Through Discovery for Robotics Instruction." The Warsaw Voice, 12 Mar. 2021, https://thewarsawvoice.pl/szymanowski-suggests-embracing-stem-concept-of-learning-through-discovery-for-robotics-instruction/
[5] "National Reforms in Education Aim at Modernizing Education and Aligning it with Current Technological Demands in the Workforce." Ministry of Education and Science, Poland, 11 Mar. 2021, https://www.mened.gov.pl/en/news/national-reforms-in-education-aim-at-modernizing-education-and-aligning-it-with-current-technological-demands-in-the-workforce
- The Robotics education in Poland is evolving as teachers integrate 3D printing for a more hands-on experience, falling in line with the need for practical STEM learning that mirrors job training requirements.
- The push for STEM education also extends to STEAM, with the government endorsing the use of technology like 3D printers and robotics kits to cultivate digital skills, creativity, and critical thinking among students.
- Teachers are provided with guidance, resources, and training on robotics and 3D printing education through programs and webinars to enhance their skills for integrating the technologies into their teaching.
- Through these initiatives, teachers in Poland are imparting STEM education with an emphasis on technology and promoting self-discovery by students, developing spatial skills and fostering teamwork.
- By modernizing education with technology like 3D printers, microcontrollers, and other equipment as part of national reforms, schools prepare students for the demands of the future workforce in the field of learning and self-development.
- Effectively using real-world technologies like 3D printers and robotics in education not only engages students but also empowers teachers, fostering creativity and promoting an active learning environment towards science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and education-and-self-development.
