My MakerBot software
My MakerBot is able to connect a network of MakerBot machines, the user’s Thingiverse account, orders and support cases, in a single workspace.
Desktop 3D printing company, MakerBot has announced the release of a new software program and education handbook.
Presenting both from the company’s booth at ISTE 2017, MakerBot has brought the two products to market to continue its ‘legacy’ of providing 3D printing solutions to educators. Previously, the company has hosted summer camps, and earlier this year launched the MakerBot Educators Program, where educators are encouraged to join a 3D printing community.
My MakerBot, the cloud-based software platform, and the MakerBot Educators Guidebook reinforce that commitment, and aim to encourage and improve student use of 3D technologies, making it easier for teachers to implement printers in classroom, and include 3D printing in the curricula.
My MakerBot/ Tinkercad
MakerBot collaborated with Autodesk Tinkercad, connecting the K-12 design software directly to its new cloud-based platform.
An in-browser platform, and Chromebook-compatible, My MakerBot is able to connect a network of MakerBot machines, the user’s Thingiverse account, orders and support cases, in a single workspace. It enables users to upload and prepare a file, and then sanction a print, monitoring its progress from anywhere.
MakerBot collaborated with Autodesk Tinkercad, connecting the K-12 design software directly to its new cloud-based platform. Now, students will be able to design in Tinkercad, and export the file to My MakerBot, before pressing print in a seamless transition that doesn’t even require the user to leave their web browser.
“By connecting two powerful STEM learning tools, we’re empowering educators so that they can equip students with critical problem solving skills,” a MakerBot blog announcing the software reads.
Though an easy-to-use software program no doubt helps the introduction of 3D printing in educational institutes and schools, MakerBot has also taken to guiding educators with a steadfast handbook. It offers teacher-tested lesson plans and covers the new My MakerBot platform, as well as Thingiverse Education, which is the largest 3D printing curriculum library in the industry.
MakerBot Educators Guidebook
The MakerBot Educators Guidebook delivers nine lesson plans in a 'crash course' in 3D printing.
Delivering what is described as a ‘crash course’ in 3D design and printing, the guidebook encompasses nine lesson plans. One lesson plan, entitled ‘Weather Survival STEM Challenge’, is briefly demonstrated in a MakerBot YouTube video. The demo shows the transition from initial design in the My MakerBot platform to its building on a MakerBot Replicator+. Thanks to the handbook’s step-by-step guide, teachers are supported from start to finish. There are also handy notes from the authors for each plan.
The guidebook was written collaboratively by over 80 MakerBot Educators, who all boast sufficient experience in STEM education. Its nine projects are a small sample of those currently available on Thingiverse Education.
“3D printers aren’t the centre of classrooms, students are,” the MakerBot blog concludes. “That’s why MakerBot is always working to set new standards in ease-of-use and reliability while connecting teachers to high quality curriculum and the largest community of 3D printing educators.”
