The video shown above is my design on the website Tinkercad to be 3D printed.
The possibilities for 3D printing are endless, and using Tinkercad as a tool to use in printing enables much more creation. Tinkercad makes the 3D printing process more accessible for anyone to use. Since the website has predesigned pieces that are broken up into categories, it was easier to create what I was picturing in my head, opposed to having to recreate the pieces on my own.
3D Printing also allows for practical applications. In conjunction with the categories listed, connectors, people are able to easily create objects that could connect to others without having to "reinvent the wheel" and figure out what shapes they can make that could fit pieces together. With this, one could create a connecting piece to something that already exists, or an object they created themselves. Aside from connecting pieces, the practical aspect of using 3D printing is realistic because of the exact measuring and pre-made/popular objects available on Tinkercad.
Tinkercad is also associated and connected to other websites that involve 3D printing. For example, the website called Thingiverse is an online community where people can post their own designs. These designs can be downloaded onto Tinkercad and remixed based on what the user wants. A website like that provides opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Because of the possibilities of 3D printing and the features on Tinkercad, there are a lot of classroom applications that come to mind. 3D Printing provides a new medium that students can explore in the classroom. Whether they are using it as the sole medium, or combining it with another, they are able to create projects with the new possibilities that new media can provide. They are also able to explore how they could use different materials with a 3D printer. Students can also practice making things that have a practical use to them. They can also collaborate within their classroom and beyond because of the sharing aspect of Tinkercad and Thingiverse. Sharing and collaborating with one another could be really beneficial for their learning and growth. This also presents the opportunity for people to bring their work home with them, and work outside of class. Teachers could also communicate and send projects home to their students because of remote sharing.