A Literature Review on 3D Printing Technologies in Teaching and Education

Abstract

With the use of content analysis, this study will offer domestic and foreign studies (graduate theses and articles) on the application of 3-D printing technologies in the fields of education (engineering, medicine, architecture, K–12 education, etc.). Since the research's goal was to review studies that had been done in the literature on the application of 3D printing technology in the field of education, content analysis was chosen as the research method of choice. In this context, it was decided that in the current study, variables such as the distribution of studies on the use of 3D printer technology in the field of education by years, publication types, sample types and sizes, data collection tools, and analysis methods were planned to be examined, and at the same time, in-depth analysis of the results was the most appropriate method. The purposive sampling method was used in the study. According to the data obtained, it is seen that the studies carried out on 3D printers between 2009-2022 are within the scope of educational activities at the K-12 level (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics) and their numbers have increased especially after 2017. It was determined that most undergraduate students were preferred as the sample group. At the beginning of the methods used in the studies, qualitative methods. It was seen that mostly in-class assessments, observations and questionnaires were used as data collection tools. It has been determined that content analysis is generally used in the analysis of the collected data. Based on these findings, it is thought that it will be more effective to focus on the instructional aspect of 3D printing technology.