3DAcademy project: Revolutionizing VET with 3D technology

The partners in the 3DAcademy project conducted extensive research to assess the current state of 3D printing, scanning and modeling technologies in Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions across Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These efforts support our mission to improve vocational education through the development of a blended training program. A report based on this survey aims to understand the use of 3D technologies in educational settings and identify areas for improvement.

The research aimed to assess the current use of 3D technologies in vocational education and training institutions, assess available materials and support, identify potential areas for growth and collect best practices and teaching methods. School principals, heads of STEM departments and technical staff from general and vocational schools participated in the online survey. They were asked a series of 20 multiple-choice, graded, and open-ended questions about their current 3D technology equipment, facilities, training programs, and challenges they face.

Our comprehensive research in these countries revealed key insights:

40% participating schools are equipped with 3D printers, primarily using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).

• 40% participating schools are equipped with 3D printers, primarily using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), highlighting that most schools prefer to invest in affordable, user-friendly 3D printing technology that is essential for hands-on, hands-on learning experiences in technical education.
• Only the 14% has 3D scanning equipment, which highlights an area for potential growth. The limited application of 3D scanning technology suggests a need for increased resources and training, as this technology can significantly increase precision in digital modeling and replication tasks.
• 75% school regularly uses 3D modeling software, which indicates its key role in education. This trend highlights the importance of 3D printing in teaching essential skills such as design, spatial awareness and problem solving, which are crucial in a variety of technical fields.
• 53% schools have their own STEM centers that are often equipped with advanced technological tools and serve as hubs to foster innovation, collaborative projects and a deeper understanding of STEM disciplines.
• Challenges include inadequate staff training (28%) and limited training opportunities (18%). These challenges highlight the need for comprehensive professional development programs to ensure that educators are well equipped to integrate and effectively use 3D technologies in their teaching.

Despite these advances, challenges remain in staff training and resource allocation. The 3DAcademy initiative aims to solve these problems by developing innovative training solutions adapted to the growing needs of industry and society. The research findings will serve as a key roadmap for the creation of the "3D Academy - a blended training program for VET trainers/teachers/educators." This program is designed to provide comprehensive training resources and methodologies. It will be supported by the online learning platform 3DAcademy, where students, teachers and industry novices can access a range of basic and advanced modules on 3D technologies.

Discover more about the activities of the 3DAcademy project and how we empower educators and learners through our innovative training programs and resources.

Link to full report: https://3d-academy.eu/about-us/#flipbook-df_694/1/