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EMERGING TRENDS: THE 3D PRINTING PHENOMENON

Albert P. Joseph
ID No. 20052880

A Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfilment

Of the Requirements of
[EDID 6506] [Issues, Trends, Innovations and Research in Instructional Design,
Instructional Technology and Distance Education]
Trimester 3, [2014]

Email: albert.joseph@open.uwi.edu
University: University of the West Indies Open Campus
Course Coordinator Dr. Camille Dickson-Deane

Date of Submission November 13, 2014

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INTRODUCTION
In an age of technology where everything is fast paced and on the go, it appears that there
is no end to the creation of man. Imagine being able to conceptualize an object and with a few
tools such as a computer, software and a printer one can turn the virtual into reality (Berman,
2007) in 3D. Fascinating, isnt it? 3D printing which was conceptualized since 1984 has now
become a technological phenomenon. Cass (2014) writes that 2014 will be remembered as the
year when 3D printing arrived. 3D printing has made its way into many fields such as
education, business, fine art, medicine, the food industry, manufacturing and a host of other
industries. It appears that there is no end in sight to the possibilities of this new trend.
But, what really is 3D printing? 3D technology allows one to create a CAD file or a 3D
scanner can be used to scan an object. Once the step of creating the file is completed, layer upon
layer of materials such as liquid or powder are deposited onto an area, then the layers are
melded together (Owens, 2012). A wide variety of materials are used in 3D printing such as
plastics, resin, metals and ceramic. The products created are limitless in their shape and size.

RELEVANCE TO THE FIELD

Instructional design is described as the creation of instructional experiences in an effort to
provide learners with skills and knowledge in a more appealing, efficient and effective way
(edot, 2014). This efficient and effective way therefore must involve the learners, ensuring that
they are actively involved in their learning. Reigeluth and Carr- Chelleman (2009) believe that
If instruction is to foster learning, it must foster construction (p.6). 3D printing allows for the
construction of knowledge and holds closely to the tenets of constructivism where student
autonomy and initiative are accepted and encouraged by having students physically manipulate
objects and even create objects within the learning environment. In creating objects from the

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ground, students will be required to think more profoundly ensuring that the planning is done in
advance and should be able to visualize the finished product even before it is created.
3D printing also allows instructors the opportunity to use several instructional methods to
help the learner achieve the desired outcomes. Martin (2013) defines 3D printing as innovative
and revolutionary since it allows for the introduction of new methods of learning and
understanding which traditional means were not capable of doing. Some of the methods include:
hands on learning, where the learner is involved in learning by doing, project based learning,
problem based learning instruction where learners are actually involved in the making of
products or arriving at solutions to problems. Savery (2009) believes that problem based
approaches help students engage with the problem, generate ideas and possible solutions,
determine what they know and dont know, establish learning goals and conduct research to
acquire the knowledge and skills needed (p.147). As students attempt to create 3D products
these are some of the very processes that they go through in order to achieve the desired
outcome.
3D printing has also enabled the use of microworlds or simulations. Gibbons, McConkie,
Seo and Wiley (2009) indicate that microworlds allow for the construction of models by the
learner and through experimentation learners begin to discover under varying conditions. A 3D
printer would be able to create the necessary tools for discovery. For example, Gates (2014)
identified the Miami University as an institution that has embraced 3D printing as a teaching tool
to print ancient artifacts for student use. There, artifacts ordinarily would not be at students
disposal. Maxey (2013) recognizes that students must themselves interact with the new
technology so that they can derive the true benefits from it.

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Finally, 3D printing offers teachers yet another opportunity to have students get excited
and motivated about learning and thus remain engaged in the experience. The excitement of
being able to design an object on a computer and seeing it come to life in 3D where it can be
touched and manipulated is an experience that cannot be taken from the learner. Wellington
(2013) writes that the simple idea of transforming a concept into a work of art broadens the
imaginative process. Motivation to learn is considered a key ingredient to student learning and
performing on a particular task (Ward, 2008). There is no doubt that 3D printing will encourage
student time on task to ensure that they get their products completed.
The emerging technology is providing much opportunity in the field of education and it
is a matter of time when we see schools embrace the technology to assist student learning at all
forms of the education sector.

DOCUMENTED ARTEFACTS

Figure 1: 3D Printer

Figure 2: 3D Printing in progress

Figure 3: Diagram showing uses of 3D printing technology in the classroom

Figure 4: Sample prosthetics designed for amputee

Figure 5: Sample 3D printed sculptures printed out of various materials

Figure 6: Intricate designs made possible by 3D printing

Figure 7: 3D in Architecture- Easier to create Models

Figure 8: Exploring the Possibilities

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INITIATOR OF TREND
A number of 3d printing techniques have existed in the past. It has been noted that the
first commercial 3-D print technology known
as stereolithography was invented by Charles
Hull who later developed the company 3D
Systems (Hickey, 2014) The company has been
specializing in a wide variety of 3D products to
include printers and print material. The
Figure 8: Charles Hall

services of 3D Systems are far reaching

ranging from aerospace, automotive, architecture and consumer products (Hessman, 2014)
Today the company is being run by current CEO Avi Reichental who took over after
Charles retirement in 2003. Avi has been
referred to as the maker of things (3D
Systems, 2014). Under Avis leadership the
company reports that there has been a shift in
the design and manufacturing of objects.
Avi has been named one of the 25 top makers
who are reinventing the American Dream (3d
systems).

Figure 9: Avi Reichental

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EXAMPLES OF POTENTIAL USE
Research
Martin (2013) reports that a growing number of universities have procured printers and
are using them in a variety of research projects. Realizing that the technology is a growing one,
universities and other institutions are very much interested in exploring the possibilities of 3D
printing. Princeton University for example has been credited for printing, out of bovine cells a
bionic ear (Milkert, 2014) which is claimed to hear beyond human ability. Other universities
such as Loughborough University are exploring the possibility of bringing 3D printing to
construction sites by actually building 3d printed structures.
Architecture and Engineering
The potential for 3D printing is enormous. Already students who are in fields such as
engineering are able to develop prototypes, that help bring their projects to life.

For architects,

3D printing has presented a architects a new way to bring their models to life in a faster and
more accurate way.
Prosthetics
The 3D printing technology has also brought new hope to amputees who usually have to
endure many struggles. 3D printing technology has allowed for the manufacturing of prosthetic
limbs and hands bringing comfort to amputees. The technology has been used to make
prosthetic fits more comfortable and secure. According to Kelly (2014) prosthetic fitting is more
of an art than a science, which involves making impressions and models through a process of
trial and error. The technology has helped to reduce some of those errors and has increased the
speed at which prosthetic limbs are manufactured.

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Visual Art/ Design
Within the realm of art, artist and designers are also turning to 3D printing technology to
create sophisticated and intricate art pieces that have never been seen before. Using a range of
materials from metal to plastic and ceramics, artists are designing cars, dresses, shoes, sculptures
and a host of fine art pieces. Jonathan Keeps, a British artist who has used clay for many years
indicates that working with 3D printers has expanded his scope for creative development
(Prosthetic Knowledge, 2014). Several of his projects include the making of vases and other
figurines in what he says is printed out in a mechanical format, layer by layer.

CONCERNS RELATING TO 3D PRINTING

While there are many who hail the technology as being phenomenal, others have
expressed concern at perhaps the environmental impact that this technology may have, due to its
reliance on plastic as a primary printing material and the amount of electricity it would take to
power up these machines. Kurman (2013) of Cornell University described 3D printers as
energy hogsconsuming a frightening amount of electricity, up to 50-100 times more than
injection molding technology. Gilpin (2014) reemphasizes this point and adds that the
technology may very well be best used for small batch runs due to the length of time that it takes
to print a product.
The other concern is the high use of plastics which has over the years been seen as an
unfriendly environmental material. It is reported that while some of these 3D printers are
efficient in the use of the raw materials, there are those which leave behind unused plastic in
their print beds and this material ends up in garbage dumps. Some of the material used is not
biodegradable.

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CONCLUDING REMARKS
3D printing technology has emerged as one of the new trends in the field for 2014 despite
being invented several years ago. Its relevance to a vast number of fields will ensure that the
technology will be around for a very long time. It is only important that we use the technology
for the advancement of research and to improve our lives and ensure that the concerns relating to
3D printing be taken into consideration for more effective use.

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REFLECTION
I wish to start off by saying that from my perspective, this assignment seemed to be the
most challenging one. Perhaps it might have been due to me feeling overwhelmed with work.
The task though proved to be very meaningful.
I think that this assignment taught the importance of keeping abreast with the trends that
are taking place in technology, instructional design and distance education. Recognizing that the
field is one that is dynamic, instructional designers must stay current, so that they are aware of
the many tools available.
It is amazing how man is constantly able to improve on his inventions or that of others.
The emerging trend of 3D printing is one that I believe many will look forward to using in their
homes. To date, the use of the technology in schools, medicine, businesses, etc. speaks volumes
of how far man is willing to go and can go with his inventions. There are even plans to build a
3D printed airplane.
While conducting the research on the emerging trend it was rather difficult to find peerreviewed articles or textbooks on the topic. I had to rely mainly on website and blogs. In my
view, now that technology is becoming so wide spread and many persons are taking the
opportunity to write there is need for institutions of higher learning to be more flexible in the ue
of blogs and sites such as Wikipedia.
I have no doubt that if students are given the chance to use 3D printing as a technology
we will begin to see students who are more creative. Already, there had been concerns that
students were not as creative due to the many distractions of technology. But, technology has
now redeemed itself in providing the chance to create amazing works of art and letting the
imagination run wild. I also think that the technology would truly allow teachers to serve as

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facilitators in the classroom providing students with the necessary scaffolding to improve models
or products that they may create.
One thing that concerns me is the fact that while all of this technology is being developed
and is at our disposal, there are still many persons within the field who are reluctant to delve into
the world of technology. So far we have seen that many of those inventions and trends have
made life easier by making our workflow more manageable and in many cases have lowered the
cost of items making them more affordable to consumers. These are truly exciting times to be
using technology and as I continue to explore its potential I am drawn deeper into it both as a
teacher and instructional designer.

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References
3D Systems (2014). Avi N. Reichental: President & chief executive officer. Retrieved,
November 4, 2014 from
http://www.3dsystems.com/sites/www.3dsystems.com/files/3DS-Reichental-Bio2014.pdf
Berman, A. M. (2007) 3D Printing: Making the Virtual Real. EDUCAUSE Evolving
Technologies Committee, Art Center College of Design. Retrieved November 5, 2014
from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/DEC0702.pdf
Cass, S. (2014, January 9). CES 2014 trends: The 3-D printing industry is poised to explode.
Retrieved, November 4, 2014 from http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/atwork/innovation/ces-2014-trends-the-3-d-printing-industry-is-poised-to-explode
Edot (2014). Instructional design for online learning. Retrieved November 10, 2014 from
http://gemedot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/eDOT_Instructional-Design-for-OnlineLearning.pdf
Gates, C. (2014). How 3d printing is benefitting engineering in higher education.Center for
instructional Development and Distance Learning: University of Pittsburg. Retrieved
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Gibbons,A.S., McConkie, M., Seo, K.K., & Wiley,D.A.(2009). Simulation approach to
instruction. In Reigeluth, C.M.Reigeluth & A.A. Carr-Chellman (Eds.) Instructional
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Gilpin, L. (2014, February 11). 10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech's next big gamechanger. Retrieved, November 10, 2014 from http://www.techrepublic.com/article/10facts-on-3d-printing-understanding-techs-next-big-game-changer/
Hessman, T. (2014, July 21). 3-D Printing the Impossible: 21st Century Manufacturing Demands
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Hickey, S.(2014). Chuck Hull: The father of 3D printing who shaped technology. The Guardian.
Retrieved November 7, 2014 from
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jun/22/chuck-hull-father-3d-printing-shapedtechnology
Kelly, B. (2014). Care of the multiple- extremity amputee. In Spires, M.C., Kelly, B.M. & Davis,
A.J. (Eds). Prosthetic restoration and rehabilitation of the upper and lower extremity (pp.
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Martin, A. (2013, May 26). Exciting Developments in Uses of 3D Printing in Education.
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Milkert, H. (2014, November 5). Princeton Researchers Create First Ever Completely 3D
Printed Quantum Dot LEDs. Retrieved, November 9, 2014 from
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Prosthetic Knowledge (2014, September 23). Prosthetic Knowledge Picks: The Artist and 3D
Printer. Retrieved, November 10, 2014 from
http://rhizome.org/editorial/2014/sep/23/prosthetic-knowledge-picks-artist-and-3dprinter/
Reichental, A. (2014, March) . Avi Reichental: Whats next in 3D printing [video file] Retrieved
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analysis. Raleigh, NC: Lulu

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from http://3dprinthq.com/3d-printing-hits-the-classroom/