9. Student Comments
“It was empowering to be in control of something so
innovative. I almost felt like I was part of making
history.”—Ellen
“This exercise was my favorite because we were actually
able to make a product that we could touch and hold.”—
Michelle
“It allows consumers to be creators rather than buyers. I
think this is one of the coolest aspects of 3D printing
because we no longer have to rely on corporations for all
of our needs.”—Mike
“There was a feeling of accomplishment and pride that came
with making the cookie cutter.”—Rachel
10. Definition: Learning by Making
“Learning by making involves an interactive
and hands-on process in which students
learn through the design and creation of new
objects.”—Rindfleisch & Sachdev 2013
20. Our Mission
To provide University of Illinois students and
faculty with the knowledge and resources to
be at the forefront of the emerging Maker
Movement.
21. Our Profile
Hardware: 10 MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers
Software: Inventor & Tinkercad
Number of Employees: 5 + multiple volunteers
Number of Visitors (as of 7/9/13): 600+
Colleges Served: Business, Engineering, Letters & Science,
Architecture & Art & Design
Total Printing Hours: 1,000+
Press Coverage: Daily Illini, Perspectives Magazine, BizEd, WCIA
News
22. Our Activities
Student Tours & Introduction to 3D Printing
Teaching and Research Support
Open Printing Sessions
Monthly Meetups
Tutorials
“Making Things” Course
Road Shows
32. Challenges
1. Most students still haven’t heard of
3D printing.
2. Less than 1% have ever seen a 3D
printer in operation.
3. Even fewer have the skills to create
their own designs.
4. Few schools offer hands-on 3D
printing resources.
35. Opportunities
1. Access to 3D printers is rapidly
expanding outside of academia.
2. 3D design software is quickly
becoming more accessible.
3. Contact with 3D printing is highly
engaging and often addicting.
37. Engage with MakerLab
1. Corporate sponsorship opportunities
2. Faculty & student research projects
3. Students available for jobs & internships
4. 3D design & printing services
5. Guest speaker opportunities