Autodesk announces Project Ignite learning platform.
Autodesk has announced Project Ignite, a free open learning platform that is set to bring the maker movement into the classroom.
Coinciding with the National Week of Making, the initiative will encourage hands on design experiences from the end-to-end design process with a focus on 3D printing and electronics.
“The ability to take risks, learn from failure and solve problems is critical to prepare students for the challenges ahead,” explained Samir Hanna, vice president and general manager, Autodesk Consumer and 3D Printing. “When learning includes making, designing and creativity, students have the freedom to explore different ways of engaging with content and each other. Project Ignite provides the collaborative and hands-on environment needed to energise educators, increase student engagement and inspire design thinking in a simple and fun way.”
The project is backed by the likes of Microsoft, MakerBot and Electroninks Writeables and will offer classroom bundles including 3D printers, electronics kits and training services to help educators deliver step-by-step projects.
Kim Coyle, educator, Middle School of Plainville in Plainville, CT, commented: “Project Ignite has been a wonderful addition to the classroom and I love what it does for my students' excitement, engagement and overall interest with design and 3D printing technology. Our goal is to inspire and prepare the students to be the next generation of innovators, so we’re expanding Project Ignite into other grade levels and looking into creating a makerspace next year to provide an environment that nurtures the students’ curiosity and creativity.”
Targeting K-12 schools, Project Ignite will benefit from Autodesk’s free education tools and learning content designed specifically for the classroom environment, including Tinkercad and 123D Circuits.
The project coincides with Autodesk’s education focus which provides free professional 3D design software and creative applications to support STEAM related subjects. In 2014, the company announced a multi-million dollar commitment to make its 3D design solutions free to schools, educators and students worldwide.
