FETC 2017 Coverage

Follett-Dremel Partnership Brings 3D Printers With PD to K–12 Schools

• By Richard Chang
• 01/25/17

Follett, a provider of education technology, print and digital services, has become a premiere distributor for Dremel 3D printers for the K–12 school market, Follett announced Tuesday.

The Dremel 3D Idea Builder, which made its debut in the education market in 2016, is made specifically for education with easy-to-use software and:

• Comes with 10 curriculum-based lesson plans;
• Features 3D model kits designed specifically for exploring STEM education; and
• Includes complete access to a Professional Development Learning Network (DLN) badge certification training course.

Follett recently responded to the growing trend of librarians and schools embracing makerspaces by offering age-specific Makerspace Bundles, which encourage students’ inquiry and exploration through hands-on production, according to a news release. The bundles, designed to save time and take the guesswork out of starting a makerspace, allow librarians to get started in the makerspace concept without doing all the curation work themselves.

Follett School Solutions President Nader Qaimari says he believes partnering with Dremel to offer its printers to K–12 school districts will further support librarians — who were instrumental in pioneering the 3D movement for education — plus promote technology integration in the classroom.

The Idea Builder enables students to interact with their 3D models in the physical space — ultimately enhancing retention of abstract concepts. For educators, the printer’s comprehensive teaching and learning kits easily integrate with existing STEM curriculum, the release said, and includes access to Dremel’s extensive 1-to-1 customer support and training.

The Dremel Idea Builder 3D 40 printer also features WiFi connectivity, active filament monitoring, a clog-resistant extruder and assisted leveling.

“By teaming up with Follett, we’re able to simplify the process of adopting complete 3D printing resources for districts across the country,” said Rafael Franca, manager for Dremel 3D Education, in a statement.

Follett is exhibiting this week at the Future of Education Technology Conference in booth 1023. Dremel is exhibiting at FETC in booth 644. For more information about Follett, visit the company’s site. For more about Dremel, visit this site. And for more about the Dremel 3D Idea Builder and its capabilities, visit folletlearning.com/3D.