This week’s class got me very excited to start using and learning about 3D printers. At first, the initial idea of 3D printing struck a chord with the creative side in me – but I definitely questioned its ease of use and practicality in the real world. After just two classroom sessions, readings, and exploring, I am inspired by the possibilities that this technology will bring to my world.
I think the greatest source of my inspiration comes from the article ‘The Maker Mindset’ by Dale Dougherty. Dougherty makes a strong case for 3D printing to take a front seat in education, discussing how the skills gained in a 3D printing lab combine several elements that explore our creativity. He wrote at length about growth versus fixed mindset, its position in today’s education, and outlook towards the future. Having a growth mindset is all about understanding new challenges as opportunities, rather than impermeable obstacles. The idea of 3D printing alone can potentially be overwhelming to people with fixed mindsets. Having a growth mindset allows one to take on the world of possibilities that 3D printing undeniably breeds. We need a world of creators, doers and problem solvers. These people will be foundational to the advancement of our society. Therefore, the case for 3D printing in education is an easy one: to have our students explore the endless possibilities of creating something out of nothing is to give them the tools to solve our world’s most pressing issues. It is not to say that 3D printing will solve global warming, but it is to say that the creative exploration of it may lead to important discoveries.
Below, I have picked out 4 every day items from thingiverse and will discuss each.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2595008
The first thing that caught my eye was this webcam cover for computer security. I feel like it would be a good use of a 3D printer as a tool because it would be relatively simple to make, and represents a large upgrade from those who use a sticky note or other self-created camera cover. The functionality is nice because it allows for a quick cover and uncover without removal. Simple in its functionality, I don’t see anything I would change about this device.
https://www.thingiverse.com/make:439491
The second thing that caught my eye was this movable sinus rinse drying rack. I connected with this creation because I often have a stuffy nose, and use a sinus rinse device that I cannot seem to find a place for (and am often lazy to clean). To improve this device, I might create a handle so that the entire print can be used in the same process as the sinus rinse. This way, it may function beyond the capacity of merely holding the bottle and nozzle.
https://www.shapeways.com/product/2A96R3GDV/buckle-anchor?optionId=42990867&li=curatedproductGroup
The next item I found that resonated was this anchor belt buckle. On Thursday, my only belt’s buckle broke off while I was attempting to reverse the belt from brown to black. It would be so cool to 3D print myself a new, custom belt buckle to replace it. I would improve upon this design by designing my own belt buckle, perhaps with my initials JP.
This is an example of an improvement on a product that I need more frequently than is available. Commonly referred to as a dongle, this device allows new iPhone users to listen to music with wired headphones, despite the device’s lack of an auxillary input. The device connects to the charging port on one end, and the headphones on another. The shape used by this designer is a little tothick for my liking, so I would create a thinner, smaller version of my own. Still, it makes perfect sense to use a 3D printer for this type of gadget because the item is something that I need often, but is rarely available.
Hey Jake!
I also shared your enthusiasm for and interest in Dale Dougherty’s ‘The Maker Mindset’ article. The opportunity adopt a growth mindset and learn more about the applications of 3D printing. The opportunities truly are endless. I’m ecstatic to begin working with you and Ajie on our project. Looking forward to innovating with you to create something meaningful!
Nice read. Your initial reaction is similar to mine when I first heard of 3D printing. I perceived 3D printers as glorified Mickey Mouse plastic toy makers from Disney, not valuable manufacturing assets. Maybe the technology didn’t exist at the time, but I was unaware that our printing technology supported metal and hybrid plastic prints. Growth in the digital printing space has been high. Innovation has rendered early 3D printers obsolete, similar to the quick replacement of room-sized computers.
Hey Jake, thanks for this insightful post! I especially appreciate the emphasis you put on having a ‘growth mentality’ – this truly allows us to see everyday problems and barriers as opportunities to advance and create. I think it’s especially amazing how schools are using a curriculum of 3D printing to teach this ‘growth mindset’ to students at a young age. By giving students opportunities to bring their ideas to life, we are teaching the next generation how to solve problems by creating new solutions, not just searching for the right ones. I hope we can emphasize this ‘growth mentality’ in our team project for this semester!
I really like the webcam cover idea. I think it’s easy and super creative. I can see myself using our resources to create one of those. I enjoyed how practical the items you picked were. Additionally, I agree with your insights on 3D printing in education and cultivating a culture of innovation at a young age.
Hey Jake, I think it’s great that you are inspired by the possibilities of 3D printing, I am too! I found the other article to be of more interest to me but I am glad I read you’re post because I have a new appreciation for ‘The Maker Mindset’ article. We do need a world of creators, doers, and problem solvers. That can be done by implementing 3D printing into education and expanding the mindset of students who will carry that maker mindset into adulthood and hopefully develop something to solve our world’s most pressing issues.