Learning by Making:

The Illinois MakerLab

Aric RindfleischVishal Sachdev

University of IllinoisJuly 11, 2013

3D PRINTING EXPO: CHICAGO

Agenda

1. Experiential Learning

2. 3D Printing Initiatives in Higher Ed

3. The Illinois MakerLab

4. Implications for Business

Experiential Learning

I HEAR AND I FORGET

I SEE AND I REMEMBER

I DO AND I UNDERSTAND

Experiential Learning

1. Participative

2. Interactive

3. Real world contact

4. Uncertainty

5. Feedback

Market Information Lab

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

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

3D Printing Initiatives

3D Printing Service

3D Print Club

ThinkLab

think[box]

“The future is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed.” —William Gibson

MakerLab.illinois.edu

Learn, Make, Share

“The world’s first Business School 3D Printing Lab”

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.

Our ProfileHardware: 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

Our ActivitiesStudent Tours & Introduction to 3D Printing

Teaching and Research Support

Open Printing Sessions

Monthly Meetups

Tutorials 

“Making Things” Course

Road Shows  

Our Lab

Student Tours

Jeff’s Lightbulbs

Ben’s WiFi Display

Tina’s Spider Shoes

Robohand

Source: dezeen.com

Tutorials

“Making Things” Course

Learn: Product conceptualizationDigital design3D fabrication

Make: Identify a market needDesign a new productPrint prototypes

Share: Upload on ThingiverseMarket via Kickstarter, Ponoko, or Shapeways

Business Implications

Challenges1. 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.

An Easy Question

“If you could buy anything, what

would you buy?”

A Tough Question

“If you could make anything, what

would you make?”

Opportunities1. 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.

Eric Chapman

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

Thank You!

uimakerlab@illinois.edu@uiMakerLab

http://MakerLab.illinois.edu