Construct3D 2018

The University of Florida Libraries has operated a 3D print service since 2014 for the UF community and the public. This service which is entirely staff-managed provides access to 3D printing but does not enable students to learn the actual process and technology behind 3D printing. We decided to expand our 3D service to include circulating 3D technology and coursework for hands-on use by undergraduate students. The library purchased a fleet of circulating 3D printers and developed a new credit course that teaches students how to build 3D printers. The circulating 3D printers are Printrbot Plays which leave the library in a wheeled Pelican case and with 250 grams of filament. This empowers the students to explore 3D printing in their own space and timeframe. The credit course is a small cohort of 12 students who are building iMade3D Jellybox kits in a weekly class held within the library. This hands-on course has presented learning opportunities in how we teach such courses and has sparked plans for new offerings. This presentation will discuss the benefits and challenges to offering these learning opportunities and our next steps as we focus on enabling students to discover and develop skills with emerging technologies.