MakerBot launches SKETCH Classroom for students and teachers
Over the last few months, the education system, and more particularly the school system has become aware of the huge potential and need to educate their students on 3D printing. This demand has been heard by MakerBot, one of the leading 3D printer manufacturers, which has announced the launch of the MakerBot SKETCH Classroom, designed to be a reliable 3D printing setup for the classroom, giving students more access to 3D printing and giving teachers the right tools and resources to teach.
Skill sets such as problem-solving and design thinking are high in demand. However, many students today lack those skills. 3D printing can be used to teach critical thinking, but there is a sharp learning curve to using 3D printing in the classroom successfully. In order to respond to this need and demand, MakerBot has developed the SKETCH Classroom which provides certification courses for both teachers and students. It will train them on how to use the 3D printer, create and implement engaging curriculum, and teach design thinking and problem-solving with 3D printing.
The MakerBot SKETCH Classroom 3D printer | Image via MakerBot
One issue that can be problematic is the printer-to-student ratio in classrooms. Therefore, the manufacturer has also developed SKETCH firmware and print management software. Both will be connected to the MakerBot cloud platform and incorporate a full suite of 3D printing applications. The SKETCH Classroom software suite provides print design, preparation, and management as a single solution. Students are able to submit their designs via MakerBot Cloud through their MakerBot account and teachers can seamlessly manage, queue up and monitor their students’ 3D printing projects.
“With SKETCH, we are changing the way 3D printing is used in schools and advancing the possibilities of learning to boost student innovation,” explained Nadav Goshen, CEO, MakerBot. With its 3D printers in over 7,000+ schools across North America alone, MakerBot is one of the leading providers of 3D printing solutions for education. MakerBot has tested the SKETCH 3D printer for over 46,000 hours for system reliability, subsystem, and print quality testing.
Close up of the 3D printer | Image via Makerbot
Full MakerBot Cloud integrations and additional features are planned for the coming months. SKETCH Classroom is expected to begin shipping on February 17, 2020 in North America, with availability in other regions shortly thereafter. You can find more information HERE.
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