Share Paper: The 3D Printing Ecosystem: A Socio-Technical Approach to Scaling and Supporting 3D Literacies

  1. Jason Harron, Kennesaw State University, United States
  2. Dominic Thomas, Kennesaw State University, United States
  3. Jeff Campana, Kennesaw State University, United States
Thursday, March 16 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Grand Ballroom C & D

Abstract: The 3D Printing Ecosystem (3DPE) is a coordinated system of hardware, software, and people that aims to scale and support computer-aided design and 3D printing as standard literacies in higher education. Taking a socio-technical approach, the 3DPE includes: (1) a technological system of four decentralized 3D printing labs that are connected via a centralized printer server running 3DPrinterOS; and (2) a social system to support interdisciplinary collaborations among faculty and students. This poster highlights the design principles and findings from the first two-year of operating the 3DPE and describes the next steps in scaling and supporting these 3D technologies through ...