Step by step in 3D printing

The main goal was the digital transformation, increasing the capacity and readiness of institutions to introduce 3D printing programs into the regular teaching process. Students and teachers from ...

The main goal was the digital transformation, increasing the capacity and readiness of institutions to introduce 3D printing programs into the regular teaching process. Students and teachers from Technical secondary schools shared and improved their knowledge about 3D modeling and 3D printing and gained new knowledge about how a 3D printer can be used both in schools and in real conditions. During the implementation of this project, both students and teachers gained new professional and business experiences during visits to several companies that deal with 3D printing. We also managed to raise students' desire for teamwork through workshops and motivation for learning, especially for learning English because the complete mobilities were conducted in English. We also wanted to raise the level of tolerance towards different cultures among all project participants during working visits to schools, which we succeeded in by forming mixed teams at workshops and during free activities and socializing. By including 50-60% of students with positive inclusion based on an unfavorable socio-economic position, we wanted to give an inclusive note. We also wanted institutions to introduce the 3D printing program into regular curriculum.

- At the beginning, we conducted testing and checked the motivation of students for participating in the project. Their professional knowledge and English language skills were tested. Also, their socio-economic conditions were also taken into account. A ranking list of students was publicly announced. -Before each working mobility, parents' meetings were held in order to familiarize the parents with the destination, goal and activities during that work mobility. -In order to work on quality content for a joint handbook and curriculum for 3D printing, Technical schools from Serbia, North Macedonia and Greece held transnational online meetings once a month during the work phase of the project and before each work visit to each country. Each school prepared different content for the modules of the handbook, which was further elaborated according to the needs of the students. -Before each work mobility, preparatory classes were held for the students: professional, linguistic and cultural in order to familiarize the students with the traditions and culture of the countries where the mobility was carried out. -During each activities, students used and checked the first version of the Modules of Handbook in practice and made suggestions.

Our schools created: a didactic manual for 3D printing, translated into English, Serbian, Greek and North Macedonian; an adapted version of the manual for 3D printing, for students with learning difficulties, translated into English, Serbian, Greek and North Macedonian; the curriculum that is implemented in the regular curriculum in some of the professional subjects in each school (the change is about 20%); an open source web platform where students and teachers, as well as anyone else interested, can use online or download the Handbook 'Step by step in 3D printing' and its curriculum translated into English, Serbian, Greek, North Macedonian language. The web platform also contains some of the 3D models that were modeled by students, a magazine about 3D printing and adapted versions of the manual, which have also been translated into all three languages of the participating countries, as well as into English. An indirect result of this project is a device for recycling PET packaging that produces filament for 3D printing, made by students of the Technical School from Pirot, Serbia. With this project, we managed to inspire IT students to engage in the issue of 3D printing and raise their knowledge to a higher level.