Supporting more engaged learning : The case for the 3D printer - A position paper

Students are increasingly connected to an online world. As such, they expect their university learning experience to emulate their everyday online experiences. Until recently, however, traditional university teaching has tended to focus on 'knowledge transfer'. In order to reengage with students, many universities are providing online tools and courses. But, not all topics are suitable for online learning. Some topics still require hands-on experience - especially where the outcome is targeted to the manufacturing industry. The 3D printer is a teaching tool that benefits from both hands-on and online support. Moreover, it can be used to help reengage students disaffected by traditional teaching methods and as a tool for transitioning to more online teaching methods. This paper outlines how the 3D printer is being used in university classrooms to supplement online teaching which is career focussed.