Amanda Bäckström, Content Manager
3 min read
Customer Profile
Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) is one of Australia’s leading independent girls’ schools. It is internationally renowned for its extensive curriculum choice, cutting-edge approach to education, varied learning experiences, and outstanding academic and co-curricular results. With more than 138 years of experience educating girls to be well-informed world citizens, the College continues to challenge and innovate as an educational leader.
Challenge
A part of the vision at MLC is to lead by engaging with new technology and
incorporating innovation into learning. The College had previously introduced 3D printing machines to give students access to innovative technology. However, the requirement that a trained operator be present when the machines were in use meant the printers had to be installed in non-classroom areas such as the library and Art House. This affected student engagement with the technology as they were required to book a time to print when a supervisor could be present as a safety precaution. The small number of 3D printers could also not support larger class-sized projects.
Solution
MLC began to trial the YSoft BE3D eDee 3D printing solution designed specifically for schools’ unique requirements. The eDee 3D printer is a smaller, compact machine that is easy to use, fast at printing, and uses safe materials free from harmful chemicals. With a comprehensive service offering, any problems are handled by trained technicians who can be on-site the next day.
Students can print safely, as it features a lockable printing chamber. This means students no longer require supervision and can access the machine more freely.
“Student safety is a priority for MLC, and so is providing innovative technology to benefit students’ learning outcomes. YSoft BE3D eDee delivers on both of these fronts. Having it in a collaborative space in the school also contributes to the more frequent use of the machines and the incorporation of 3D in the classroom.”
James Berry, Corporate Services Director, MLC
After the trial was complete, MLC installed a bank of five BE3D eDee printers in the school. These printers are becoming increasingly popular among teachers and students in various disciplines.
Benefits
The size and mobility of the BE3D eDee machines meant they could be placed
in a collaborative, engaging location where students and teachers could easily
access. Because the college was already using Y Soft print management
technology, which meant that students could easily upload their designs to the
3D printing queue, and access their job when at the printer by scanning their
existing ID card. It also means that the 2D and 3D fleet can be managed using
the same print management software.
Now that the printers are easier to access and use, 3D printing has captured
the attention of many more students across various disciplines who are finding
creative ways of using it in their projects. One student designed and printed
a 3D model of a castle in England based on satellite images as a part of her
history assignment.
Simon Corkeron, Learning Technology Consultant, MLC, said, “3D printing has
certainly brought out the creative side in both students and teachers. Students are coming up with ways to use 3D printing or adding it to projects that we
never thought possible.”
Teachers are also finding their own creative ways of incorporating 3D printing
into classroom activities.
One subject saw students use 3D printing to make mini robots. A digital fashion class saw students print 3D jewelry, which they then fitted with electronic gadgets. Elective classes, such as robotics and prosthetics, also used 3D printing to foster an environment where students could consider solutions for real-life situations, such as designing and constructing a prosthetic arm.
An upcoming project in Year 9 science will focus on the nervous system and
the effects of different diseases. Students will research a disease and create
a device or solution using 3D printing, which will assist people living with the
illness.
One of the largest 3D projects the College has undertaken so far involved
a cohort of Year 7 students who, working in teams, were tasked with building
a mini city. The students came up with the ideas and design of the city, and
used the YSoft BE3D eDee printers to help bring the cities to life.
Simon Corkeron said, “Using 3D printing gives students the ability to visualize
and see a physical model of their creation. It lets students problem-solve and
start thinking about innovative ideas for the future. Having access to this
technology and the YSoft BE3D eDee printers have certainly enhanced the quality of innovative education MLC provides.”
