How 3d Printing Technology is Used in the Education System

Running Head: Self-Study
SELF-STUDY RESEARCH:
3D PRINTING EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

Self-Study Research 1
Table of Contents
Abstract.........................................................................................................................2
Research Problem........................................................................................................2
Research Question.......................................................................................................2
Literature Review..........................................................................................................3
Method..........................................................................................................................4
Context......................................................................................................................4
Personal background with Educational Technology and use of Self Study
methodology...........................................................................................................4
Data Collection.............................................................................................................5
Data Analysis................................................................................................................5
Findings........................................................................................................................6
Discussion and Implications.........................................................................................8
Limitations.....................................................................................................................9
References.................................................................................................................10

Self-Study Research 2
Abstract
3D is come up as the most popular educational technology, which is made
available in public libraries, schools, higher education institutions as well as
museums. Most often. 3D printing technology is underutilized as instructors hold less
experience of it and are not aware of its integration (Johnson & Christensen, 2012).
This paper will provide the personal experience of the student with this technology,
and along with this, various philosophical assumptions related to educational
technology will be discussed. These assumptions include ontology, epistemology,
pedagogy, and methodology. Literature review, methods, data analysis, findings, and
discussion section will also be covered in this paper.
Research Problem
The application of 3D printing technologies within the industry is rapidly
increasing as many new applications are explored that take benefit of its
functionalities. On one side where technological advancement is taking place in the
context of product quality and throughput, there are various concerns that skill and
education development massive adoption will take place. Despite all these concerns
as well as longstanding calls related to educational activities facts, there is presently
an absence of accessible and comprehensive literature review on how the 3D
printing technology is applied in the system of education learning.
Research Question
Question: How 3D printing technology is used in the system of education?
In order to answer the research questions and academic kinds of literature are
referred, which will help in identifying the application of 3D technology in education
and teaching. For analysing this research problem, this study will also include

Self-Study Research 3
various philosophical assumptions, existing behind the educational technology
research.
Literature Review
Novak Wisdom (2018) mentions that an objective approach can be applied as
the base for attaining the ontology, which will be a collection of standard terms for 3D
printing, covering the terms created in the future. It implies that one can easily
organize the 3D printing terminology in a highly logical manner, which can be
followed, referred, and help in technological growth. The most important terms will be
included under the medical lexicon frontline for 3D printing as the expanding field,
and in this case, ontology can be applied through computers for facilitating and
standardizing the information integration and analysis, through ignoring the research
confusion and duplication.
Baxter-Magolda (2014) mentioned that epistemology is the part of philosophy,
whose aim is to analyse the postulates, methods, and conclusions of specific
science, by referring through evolution standpoint, for the purpose of examining the
logical origin, scientific, value and philosophical importance, and basic theories,
concepts and outcome of different science for addressing the value, provenance and
objective importance (Baxter-Magolda, 2014). The identified epistemology is able to
analyse the science position in an imaginary way because this creates risk in
discriminating against the reasons of power. Similar to this, in-depth analysis of
author literature based on 3D printing might move towards the inverse impact with
tendencies to get despair as the task look immense. Epistemology is the health
practice in supporting to grasp the complexity and reality of 3D printing.
Schelly, Anzalone, Wijnen & Pearce (2015) discuss that pedagogy models are
trying to enhance the process of implementing technology in learning practices.

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Schelly, Anzalone, Wijnen & Pearce informs that in past years the effective
education is based on experiences, and personal experiences can only achieve
learning. With educational research, it is known that the author was right, and the
experiential learning and active learning is a highly effective practice. Few disciplines
are always able to involve in education based on experiments. Possibly the most
straightforward way is the application of 3D printing technology, which supports re-
creating the spaces and objects, which are currently present in the actual world, but
the same is done through a virtual environment. 3D printing technology has various
uses, and not everyone uses yet discovered. Still, the Future project campus
explores the different types of significant gaols of learning for which 3D printing
technology is important around the huge discipline range.
McConnell (2019) has discussed that methodology is the strategy that can be
used for resolving the alternatives available in the process inquiry within the research
study. It goes with the matter of developing the selection among the methods. The
methodology assumptions cover the researcher’s views at every level from the
unconscious international viewpoint and move towards the enactment of the
comprehensive perception by the inquiry process. Through this perspective might be
correct in recapping the conscious concerns of international views with particular
emphasis on pedagogy, ontology, and epistemology positions.
Method
Context
Personal background with Educational Technology and use of Self Study
methodology
I remembered that during my biochemistry course, I applied for the course of
3D printing educational technology. Within the classroom settings, through 3D

Self-Study Research 5
printing, I got the opportunity to develop the hand-on-models, which can be
investigated by students, and they can even intersect with it. For instance, I was able
to learn about the area geography by analysing the 3D map. I think that methods of
self-study and technological aids support in enhancing the experience of learning
and move beyond classroom learning (McConnell, 2019). There are many self-
studying methods which also help in setting up realistic goals and also support in
reviewing, preparing as well as maintaining the study material.
Data Collection
For gathering the information, the researcher selected the three teachers who
were teaching about 3D printing technology to students of international schools.
These teachers were selected so that they can express their views on educational
technology and how students are gaining benefits from it. During the discussion with
the teacher, the data collected was related to the opinions and ideas adopted by
teachers with students. Apart from this, epistemological, as well as ontological
beliefs and practices of the teacher, was also noted.
Data Analysis
(Source: McConnell, 2019)
The data gathered supports in coming up with all components related to the
teacher’s professional learnings and in concluding on the views of teachers in the

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highly dynamic manner. The above figure shows the Venn diagram that depicts that
knowledge of the teacher, school knowledge as well as pedagogy knowledge are
essential for advancing towards educational learnings. This above figure also
illustrates that professional knowledge or teaching holds significance and the same
influence on the teachers and student belief in an ontological manner.
Findings
Buehler, Comrie, Hofmann, McDonald & Hurst (2016) has mentioned that
everyone learns through the experiences, instead of just reflecting on the
experiences. In the context of this, I have a reflection on my experiences in the area
of 3D printing educational technology in both the theoretical as well as practical
aspects. I believe that everyone exists in the middle of the technological area
evolution. In the last few years, I have faced a plethora of different technological
resources, aids, and tools. I think that technology has come up as an asset in the
area of classroom-based teaching and inspire and encourage the students to learn
beyond books.
The technology of 3D printing is considered as the maker-centred tool of
education, which is assumed to come in the mainstream application in education in
just one year. I have learned that 3D printing is taken centre place among educators,
artists, technology, engineers, and enthusiastic, who are highly passionate about
doing things (Januszewski & Molenda, 2018). As per the 2018 higher education
Report, the technology of 3D printing is the rapidly growing technological trend,
which holds the high capability to foster the actual changes in the area of education,
especially in developing the strategy of innovative learning. I believe that 3D printing
will assist in renovating the classes in helping the 21st-century skill development, like
communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and inquiry, while offering the

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students with both experiential and playful learning experiences. About the
technology, I will present my experiences with four philosophical assumptions related
to educational technology.
Ontology
I had an experience related to my learning with my colleague during 3D
printing use in day to day life. We both were quite excited about the direction and the
changes it can bring in day to day activities. We took this course for learning and
exploring the different ways to showcase our performance in a cognitive and highly
creative approach in our company, as the same will help me in bringing personal and
professional changes.
Epistemology
Epistemology means studying the source of knowledge. As far as my
personal experience, I can mention that I was very keen on taking the course of 3D
printing and the department of computer science was the most important. I know 3D
printing has enormous scope in future companies, and making my career in this field
will be very beneficial for me in the future (Chan, 2018). For understanding more
about this technology, I talked with many professionals and teachers of institution,
who has worked in this area and hold knowledge about it. All this helped me in
learning more about this field from different perspectives of education teachers and
professionals.
Pedagogy
I think that professional experiences and other practices often influence and
evaluate the progress of youngsters. I believe that if we trust others and build
contacts with others, then previous experience is required, as the same helps in
making decisions. From my own experience, I can mention that during my schooling,

Self-Study Research 8
I think that I face problem in learning new things or adopting new technology in my
course, but then I analyze that I was not the only one who faced similar problems
(Cremin, Burnard & Craft, 2016).
Methodology
During my course of 3D printing, I gained experience and changes in my
thought process of learning new things. I learned that various methods could not
help in enhancing the knowledge of teachers, and students can bring new and
innovative results (Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2010). But now things have changed,
as after working on different technologies and teaching methods, I can say
educational technologies are right for solving real issues and bring innovation.
Discussion and Implications
In this research study, all the content is highly exploratory, which helps in
enhancing the different options for future research at learning, technology, and
knowledge of instructors and for improving creativity in education. 3D printing is
learned as a powerful tool of education technology, which supports in exposing the
students with the different experiences of engineering design and science by
conducting active learning. We think that this right connection with 3D printing
technology in the area of science education will enhance the interest of student’s
towheads STEM and increase participation in the profession of STEM (Cook, Bush &
Cox, 2015). Besides this, 3D printing lessons will use active learning principles as
well as actual-world issues in connection with the involvement and motivation of
students. I believe that upcoming researchers will identify the teacher’s beliefs and
values in the context of 3D technology and its role in learning practices, enhancing
creativity, and knowledge for exploring the various lessons (Chen, Zhang & Zhang,
2014). I believe that future research will provide knowledge about the intervention

Self-Study Research 9
with knowledge about assisting individuals in developing a sophisticated belief with
creativity, learning, and technology.
Limitations
This research study shows the perception of respondents as well as a
personal reflection of the student; therefore, it can be made general or either the
same can be simulated. However, in the constructivist interpretation, there were no
steps taken for generalizing the content. This research paper depicts the concern
and experiences of the student in his personal life related to 3D printing educational
technology, and accordingly, the proper conclusion is made out of it. The research
findings are made by considering the data collected from kinds of literature.

Self-Study Research 10
References
Baxter-Magolda, M. B. (2014). A Constructivist Conceptualization of Epistemological
Reflection. Educational Psychologist, 39, 31-42.
Buehler, E., Comrie, N., Hofmann, M., McDonald, S., & Hurst, A. (2016).
Investigating the Implications of 3D Printing 31 in Special Education. ACM
Trans. Access. Computers, 8, 1–28
Chan, K-W. (2018). Epistemological Beliefs, Learning and Teaching in the Hong
Kong Context. In M.S. Khine (ed.), Knowing, Knowledge and Beliefs:
Epistemological Studies across Diverse Cultures (pp. 257-273). The
Netherlands: Springer.
Chen, M., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2014). Effects of a 3D printing course on mental
rotation ability among 10‐year‐ old primary students. International Journal of
Psychophysiology, 94, 240-250
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2010). Research Methods in Education (5th
ed). New York: Routledge Farmer.
Cook, K. L., Bush, S. B., & Cox, R. (2015). Creating a Prosthetic Hand: 3D Printers
Innovate and Inspire and Maker Movement. Science Children, 53, 80–86
Cremin, T., Burnard, P., & Craft, A. (2016). Pedagogy and possibility thinking in the
early years. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 1(2), 108 119.
Januszewski, A., & Molenda, M. (2018). Educational Technology: A Definition with
Commentary. New York: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

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Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2012). Educational research: Quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed approaches. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE publication.
McConnell, J. (2019). 7 BENEFITS OF USING 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IN
EDUCATION. Retrieved March 9, 2020 from
https://www.makersempire.com/7-benefits-of-using-3d-printing-technology-in-
education/
Novak, E., & Wisdom, S. (2018). Effects of 3D printing project-based learning on
preservice elementary teachers’ science attitudes, science content
knowledge, and anxiety about teaching science. Journal of Technology and
Science Education, 27(5), 412-432.
Schelly, C., Anzalone, G., Wijnen, B., & Pearce, J.M. (2015). Open‐source 3‐D
printing technologies for education: Bringing additive manufacturing to the
classroom. Journal of Visual Language Computers, 28, 226–237.