The Analysis of Learner's Motivation and Satisfaction with 3D Printing in Science Classroom

Received 30 September 2015Received in revised form26 October 2015Accepted 26 October 2015Technology is an important means to enhance students' understanding about scientific concepts. In particular, newly introduced 3D printing technology has great potential to help students learn scientific concepts better. 3D printing is a process for a creating physical object with a three dimensional model. In this study, we explored two types of learners’ (students vs. adults) motivation and satisfaction with 3D printing technology. With regard to motivation, student learners showed higher task value, self-efficacy for learning, and satisfaction than adult learners. The result implied that 3D printing technology is more effective to student learners than adult learners. In addition, for adult learner group, negative relationship between technology and satisfaction was found. Therefore, support for reducing the technology anxiety for adult learners is necessary. Further discussions are provided for the research and application of 3D printing technology in science classroom.