AnkerMake and Makerspaces: A Match Made In Education
It's difficult to debate the utility and benefit of makerspaces in the world of education. That's because makerspaces help foster increasingly important skills for student learning and development. Research has shown that these skills go far beyond simple mechanical understanding.
In fact, a recent study published by The Journal of Educational Research indicates that makerspaces in education “allow students to apply their knowledge, engage in problem-solving abilities, practice collaboration, and express creativity—processes that are useful both inside and outside the classroom.”
What that means is students of all ages can benefit from having both a designated makerspace and maker instruction on their school's campus. And one of the tools best suited for these education-focused makerspaces is a 3D printer.
AnkerMake M5C Is the Ideal Makerspace Partner
However, finding a 3D printer robust enough to handle the requirements of a makerspace is often a challenge. Not only does a printer need to be fast, but the ideal printer also needs to be easy to use, support several types of materials, and be affordable enough for educational departments on a strict budget. Fast, reliable printers like AnkerMake M5Care quickly emerging as the best choice for these applications.
Capable of printing up to 500 mm/s with materials like PLA+, PETG, ABS, and TPU, M5C is the perfect tool for students and educators looking to turn their ideas into real-world prototypes quickly. Plus, its cost-effective pricing makes it within reach for even the tightest school budgets.
M5C is also easy to assemble, and the AnkerMake Studio software provides a user experience that students of all levels will find intuitive. From after-school programs to college courses, AnkerMake M5C is the ideal educational partner for students in makerspaces.
Campus Collaboration Case Study: Social Medium Makerspace
One person who knows the value of 3D printing in an educational context is Ben Braunstein, the founder and Director of Social Medium Makerspacein West Hills, California. His makerspace currently relies on two AnkerMake M5C printers, donated by AnkerMake, to help his students turn their ideas into reality.
An educator by trade, Braunstein has been a maker since middle school and has worked the fundamentals of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) into his classroom curriculum. After co-creating and running a science and technology summer camp for four years that was based around STEAM, Braunstein's focus expanded.
Now, as Social Medium Makerspace's Director, Braunstein works with his team to connect makers and share their passion in a fun and creative environment. What sets his makerspace apart, however, is its collective focus on social connection and community.
On August 14th, Braunstein led two courses on 3D printing at Social Medium Makerspace. These classes offered the fundamentals of 3D printing to both children and adults searching for creative expression. And given Braunstein's educational background, teaching them seemed like a natural fit. His goal was to equip students with a foundational knowledge of 3D printing concepts like design preparation, 3D printing technology, and practical 3D printing skills. Courses also included instruction on using 3D design software to create printed models.
"[3D Printing]'s true power lies in empowering students to bring their ideas to life," says Braunstein, "Moreover, easily accessible libraries of free 3D models provide a low-barrier entry point for students to experiment with 3D printing."
He believes 3D printing can inspire students, and may even help those with manual dexterity issues. Plus, there's the experience of joy that comes with creative self-efficacy.
"Nothing is more rewarding than watching a student's face light up as they see the object they so carefully crafted in their mind slowly rise from the build plate," says Braunstein. Outside of the classes, dozens of people have since come to Social Medium Makerspace looking to test-drive the new AnkerMake M5C printers.
With new spaces now being installed at universities, high schools, and other community-focused locations, Braunstein is not alone in his mission to bring makerspace connections to the masses. Educators like him are helping to pave the way for a new generation of students whose skills will be a valuable commodity in a rapidly changing technological world.
When these programs partner with 3D printer manufacturers like AnkerMake, students can access the kind of creativity that breeds innovation and technological advancement. For these lucky students and the educators who support them, that means the future looks very bright indeed.
If you're interested in attending one ofBenBraunstein's classes, and you livenear West Hills, California, then feel free to check back in with SocialMedium Makerspace for more upcoming classes.
