Multi-converging educational program for design with the usage of 3D printer: Targeted for middle school students

Abstract

Background Demand for utilization of 3D printers which affects today's clothing, food and shelter as well as our overall industries is increasing in educational field today. In this study, we have developed a converging educational program for design with the usage of 3D printing to verify educational effectiveness. We will find out how to use 3D printer as a multi-converging education program for design targeted for middle school students, will establish the concept of creative thinking ability which is being emphasized recently, and present the direction in which the school education needs to go about in education program for design using 3D printing technology. Methods To develop a multi-converging educational program for design targeting middle school students, this research has analyzed the characteristics of design education for middle school students and has developed 16 design educational sessions using 3D printing. In order to verify the effectiveness of the developed program, indexes which were formed by 'common competence' and 'design competence'. were constructed and mock classes were given to the actual middle students with a total of 16 session plans developed. After examining the effectiveness through pre and post evaluation, it is the scope of the study to find out how to utilize 3D printer as a program in multiconverging education for middle school students. Results To investigate the effectiveness of design education program using 3D printing through examining the changes of creativity, problem solving ability, self - initiative, goal orientation and design competence before and after implementation of multi-converging design education program using 3D printing, countermeasure example t-test was carried out. As a result of the test, it is found that there is a very positive change in all areas as shown. Conclusions It is meaningful that it was designed to create a multi - disciplinary and interdisciplinary effect. In order to maximize the impact and development of sustainable competencies of middle school students using 3D printing, multi-converging design education should be implemented to converge more diverse contents than present.