As I read the article about 3D printing I could not help to think about the expense associated with this machine for many libraries and schools. Dr. Kimmel in her weekly connect presentation mentioned that the cost for 3D printing machines can range between 3 to 4 thousand dollars. The lower end machines can easily run about 2, 000 or more. To me this is an extravagant expense for libraries and schools to afford particularly given current school budgets and the cuts many must endure. Furthermore, I think buying 3D printers for our school libraries and schools will broaden the digital divide that currently exist between wealthy school districts and poor school districts. Please don't read these comments as a negative regarding the promise of 3D printing machines. I just think what little money is available for library services in schools should not be used to purchase 3D printing machines. However, if the money and resources are available I support such ideas as having students from STEM programs help to assemble and be apart of the maintenance of the machine. It helps students, parents and the community buy in to the possible educational rewards of investing in this new technology.
As for coding I think this is a great equalizer for all students. Students no matter their walk in life should have this crucial skill. According to article written by Tahnk, coding provides critical thinking skills, analytical skills, cause and effect skills. What student of the 21st century would not need to hone these useful skills if they intend to be competitive in a global world? I also like the fact that there are coding programs that reach out to the female population. The fun games and toys that are available are great for developing young minds to code.
Lastly, I really enjoyed watching the Medi Robot video. I think it is a great idea for helping kids deal with pain management. A robot like this would work really well in an elementary library setting. It could read students a book, ask questions to students after a book reading, help students become acquainted with library and the list goes on and on. I really like the robot.
Citations
Sansing, C. (2015, May 4). 3-D Printing: Worth the Hype? | The Maker Issue. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
Tahnk, J. (2015, April 27). Cool Products for Teaching Kids How to Code. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
Hey Liz, I found your thoughts on 3-D printing to be very interesting. I think you touch on a really important issue about funding in schools and where the money should go when/if there is funding available. I see a need for new books and access to things like computers in the library to be something more necessary than 3-D printing when funds are limited. I do agree, however, that the benefits of 3-D printing are exponential and help give students an authentic learning experience, so if there is enough money available, that 3-D printers in the library could be so beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI agree that funding is definitely an issue for something like a 3D printer. There are many libraries that don't really have the money to include that in the budget. It would be really nice, but I'd like to see my school start up and invest in a makerspace before a 3D printer.
ReplyDeleteGreat information!!! Thanks for your wonderful informative blog.
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