Importance of Visuals by Cecilia

Importance of Visuals by Cecilia - February 2018 Scholarship Essay

Imagine you are a second grader and your teacher is trying to explain depth and space in art class. However, you are second grader and don't quite understand these concepts. Your teacher whips out a 3D printer and prints a sphere, circle, cube, and square. Right away you are able to recognize that there is a clear definition of depth and space between a 2D and 3D object. A 3D printer is a technological advance that will be an integral part of education in the year 2038.
A 3D printer can be used in all subject matters ranging from math to art. It can be used as a visual to understand a certain concept. This will be an intriguing technological advance that will engage the attention of students of all ages. Whether someone prints a cube for a second grader in art class, a race car for a high school student taking physics, or a model of a heart for a medical student, the 3D printer could advance the knowledge of anyone who is willing to learn.
As a student at the University of Arizona, there is a 3D printer accessible to us in our library. However, I have no use for it because my classes do not require it. Almost every assignment that is not turned in online requires a printer. Changing the way I study has allowed me retain information more and I know this is a method many students use to study. At times the repetitiveness of one’s studies can become tedious, but if a 3D printer was used instead this could potentially excite a student’s studies. In order for this to happen there would need to be an increase in availability for 3D printers and the filament to print. This would be an increase in expenditures, but if it would change the way a student learns, I think the expense would be worth it. I believe by the year 2038 schools will be able to recognize how helpful a 3D printer could be in a student’s studies and integrate them into assignments.