3D Design and Printing could be used for language revitalization through the use of interactive games and activities that stimulate learning with tactile qualities. One of the greatest advantages of 3D printing and design is the ability to take something that is simply visual and further its development into a kinesthetic tool. It could be used to upgrade games like Scrabble with virtually very little cost and no new supplies other than the printed letters.
There is no faster nor more effective way to learn than experiencing something that evokes an emotional response. Ideally, these experiences will primarily be positive emotional responses.
Furthermore, the printed tiles could be used to showcase a word a day and placed somewhere at home or in the classroom with a short write-up about the meaning of the word. The students could come up with their own write-ups or it would be a great opportunity for a new word to be discovered and students get to find the definition on their own!
3D Design and Printing could be useful in a classroom for a variety of applications for the students and teachers. It could be used for tools to strengthen their fine-motor skills with various-sized objects that could be specifically tailored to their needs. There could be devices made to help children hold pencils and the possibilities for adaptations for people with disabilities are endless!
Check out this website I found with print files that are downloadable to create 3D tools to aid people with disabilities: Cults 3D
Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons, like with many things, for 3D printing and designing. We have covered many pros about the concept, but what about the cons? For one, children may see peers with tools that they want but do not need. This could cause jealousy or upset. Another con would be that not all schools will be able to afford a 3D printer, the materials, and the upkeep of them. It may divide schools further with socioeconomic differences. There also exist the concern for the misuse of the equipment. Most, if not all, of these concerns could be addressed with solutions or alternative methods, ideally.
Below are two screenshots of the item I designed for a paddle board to hold a can of soda! The slot is for the paddle board cord to go through and hold the cup holder onto my paddle board.
