MakerBot Launches Educator Community to Encourage 3D Printing in Classrooms

At the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) taking place this week in Orlando, FL, MakerBot unveiled a new community of educators that aims to empower K–12 educators to use 3D printing in classrooms.   

The MakerBot Educators Program was established “to find and celebrate the incredible achievements of students, teachers and institutions using 3D printing across the globe,” as well as identify new uses for 3D printers in K–12 education, according to a MakerBot blog post announcement. Upon joining the community, MakerBot will provide members with a welcome kit that includes MakerBot gear (as pictured). Educators will also have a chance to win prizes like MakerBot PLA filament each month.

Eligible candidates must have contributed at least two project ideas to Thingiverse Education, a collection of more than 100 3D printing lesson plans for various grade levels. Candidates must also have access to a registered MakerBot device.

“Being part of the MakerBot Educator community allows me to be part of a network of teachers who see the same benefits of the technology and who I can learn from and share ideas with,” said Brian Mernoff, a teacher participating in the program, in the blog post.

MakerBot works to make 3D printing affordable, ever since its first 3D printer, Cupcake CNC, launched in 2009. More recently, the company introduced the first WiFi connected desktop 3D printer in 2014, according to the MakerBot website. Last year, the company released several new 3D printers and launched the Thingiverse Education platform.

MakerBot is exhibiting in booth 2316 at FETC this week.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • blue AI cloud connected to circuit lines, a server stack, and a shield with a padlock icon

    Report: AI Security Controls Lag Behind Adoption of AI Cloud Services

    According to a recent report from cybersecurity firm Wiz, nearly nine out of 10 organizations are already using AI services in the cloud — but fewer than one in seven have implemented AI-specific security controls.

  • lightbulb

    Call for Speakers Now Open for Tech Tactics in Education: Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation

    The annual virtual conference from the producers of Campus Technology and THE Journal will return on Sept. 25, 2025, with a focus on emerging trends in cybersecurity, data privacy, AI implementation, IT leadership, building resilience, and more.