Introduction:
Ultimaker has announced a significant relaunch of MakerBot, positioning it as the world’s sole 3D printing brand dedicated exclusively to education. This expansion signifies a major stride in enhancing the resources and expertise available for educators worldwide.
UltiMaker’s vision is to address the specific needs of teachers and students by providing a robust ecosystem of hardware, software, and support,
enabling them to harness the full potential of 3D printing. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting development.
MakerBot Certification: Empowering Educators
MakerBot Certification, an integral part of this initiative, offers a comprehensive approach to 3D printing education.
It aims to remove technology barriers,
equipping both students and educators with the necessary training to explore 3D printing and foster design thinking.
To date, nearly 2,000 teachers have enrolled in MakerBot Certification,
and over 10,000 students have participated in the Design Thinking courses.
Rahul Chopra, a Technological Instructor at Macdonald Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, shared his experience,
stating that MakerBot Certification is invaluable for both novice and experienced teachers in the realm of 3D printing and design thinking. It simplifies the learning process and makes it accessible.
The MakerBot Sketch Ecosystem: A Holistic Approach
The MakerBot Sketch ecosystem features a range of components, including MakerBot Sketch series 3D printers, MakerBot Certification Programs for Educators and Students, Curriculum Planning and Project Guides, and MakerBot CloudPrint.
MakerBot Certification programs are the only 3D printing training programs certified by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), an esteemed nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education through technology.
Education-Driven Content and Resources
MakerBot Education offers a treasure trove of resources for educators, including lesson plans, project ideas, and 3D printing inspiration, all developed in collaboration with the education community. The content is meticulously reviewed to ensure its suitability for the classroom.
Additionally, Thingiverse serves as a valuable platform where educators can discover 3D printing ideas and designs for various grade levels and subjects.
The MakerBot Educators Guidebook, hailed as the definitive how-to guide on 3D printing in the classroom, covers essential topics such as 3D printing, 3D design, classroom integration, and classroom-ready 3D printing projects.
Streamlined 3D Printing Workflow with MakerBot CloudPrint
MakerBot CloudPrint streamlines the 3D printing workflow for educators, allowing them to manage, monitor, and 3D print student projects efficiently.
This cloud-based software simplifies IT requirements, providing educators with features such as remote monitoring, multiple printer management, and customizable settings, with easy integration into Google Classroom accounts.
Conclusion
UltiMaker’s renewed commitment to MakerBot and its dedication to education marks a significant milestone in the world of 3D printing.
With MakerBot’s Certification, the Sketch ecosystem, and educational resources, educators and students are empowered to explore the vast potential of 3D printing and design thinking.
This comprehensive support system ensures that education remains at the forefront of this innovative technology, shaping the next generation of learners.
