3D Pens

A 3D pen has similar features to a regular ink pen, but it also differs in many ways. A 3D pen uses plastic filament instead of ink, it requires electricity to operate, and it has features such as an on and off switch (3Doodler, 2022). Aside from these differences, the main difference between the two is that a 3D pen creates a 3D drawing of an object, whereas a regular ink pen can only create a 2D drawing of an object. Despite the differences, a 3D pen is easy to learn how to use and does not require any software. Using any flat or 3D surface, it allows users to draw a tangible object within seconds. The design possibilities are endless with a 3D pen because of the user’s ability to control the creation process. It truly is up to the user’s imagination (or their choice of stencils) as to what they can create.

(Source: What is a 3D pen? - 3Doodler (the3doodler.com))

Although plastic is the main material used when drawing with a 3D pen, there are several different types of materials that can be used to create an object. The main types of plastics used are ABS and PLA. Other materials include flexy, wood, metal, and nylon. Often times, 3D pens can be tied to creators such as artists and even fashion designers, however, educators are becoming increasingly more aware of the advantages of using 3D pens in the classroom (3Doodler, 2022). Many educators are equipping their students with 3D pens to empower them to bring a variety of concepts from biology, math, history, chemistry, design, and art to life (3Doodler, 2022).

(Source: What is a 3D pen? - 3Doodler (the3doodler.com))

For this piece of technology, I believe that the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) would be the most suitable model for integrating the use of the 3D pen and enhancing the learning process. "The TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, collaborative, constructive, authentic, and goal directed. These characteristics are associated with five levels of technology integration: entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation. Together, the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments and five levels of technology integration create a matrix of 25 cells.” (FCIT, 2021). I believe that the two interdependent characteristics that would best fit the integration of the 3D pen would be active and collaborative. Since the 3D pen is a newer piece of technology for most students, the teacher will introduce and demonstrate the technology to the student’s using curriculum and then allow them to slowly learn how to use it to provide context to their learning. After the students become more comfortable with the technology, they will be able to collaborate with other classmates to use it, eventually reaching the transformative level (FCIT, 2021). Some ideas include creating geometric shapes, models for science projects, learning art concepts, a geographical map, or for a general makerspace. 

Here are some links that will help you get started on integrating the 3D pen into your school:

1. What is a 3D pen?

2. 3D Printer Pen for the Classroom

3. 3D Pen Lessons

4. 3Doodler EDU Learning Packs

5. Top 3D Pens for the Classroom

Works Cited:

3Doodler. (2022). What is a 3D pen?. What is a 3D pen? - 3Doodler (the3doodler.com)

Florida Center for Instructional Technology. (2021). The technology integration matrix: Table of summary descriptors. https://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix/