The increased use of 3D printers in K-12 classrooms has resulted in an expected doubling of sales for 2016, says the District Administration.

Though 3D printers were initially designed to be a staple in people’s homes, the technology has instead become a must-have in STEM classrooms and maker spaces, proving to be valuable tools for students to use to create.

"No data exists on the number of U.S. schools that own 3D printers overall. But more than 5,000 K12 schools and universities nationwide have MakerBot’s 3D printers, company spokesperson Johan-Till Broer says. Other companies selling the printers include Stratasys, 3D Systems and Variquest,” the District Administration said.

The surge in sales is also related to education and tech specialists pushing the technology for classrooms.

"Career and technical education staff members often convince schools to buy 3D printers, says Lan Neugent, interim executive director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), the article said.

3D printers, specialists say, help students visual their thinking in a concert form and helps create a brand of makers that become interested, from there, in STEM.

Selecting a 3D printer from the many options available can be hard, so find out how to select a 3D printer for your classroom here.

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Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

11/30/2015