Tag Archives: 201202

3-D Printing: A Tech Revolution in the Making

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Picture this: You’re taking a biology course and your syllabus says you need a model human skull. But rather than going to the bookstore, or ordering one from Amazon, your professor prints out the models while you’re in class and hands them to you on your way out the door. This might seem a bit far fetched, but maybe not for much longer.

In fact, 3-D printing has been used by manufacturers as a tool for creating prototypes quickly and inexpensively for almost two decades. More recently, developments in the technology have led to a boom in printers designed for large-scale manufacturing (including airplane components, and artificial limbs and joints) as well in-home use.

While it sounds like magic, the process of creating an object with a 3-D printer is actually pretty straightforward and transparent. First, you need to design a three-dimensional object using software that can render models of them. These range from expensive commercial software, such as Autodesk, to Google’s free software, called SketchUp. If you don’t have the time or inclination to learn new software and design your own objects, you can download objects designed by others (including that model skull for your biology class) on websites like Thingiverse.

Next, you’ll need to get a 3-D printer. They are expensive, but some cost less than a new high-end computer. Try MakerBot ($1,749 for the basic home model) or Bits from Bytes ($3,500) for models that will fit in your living room. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can buy a cheaper kit from either of these companies and do the assembly yourself.

Once the printer is set up and ready to go, you can send your design to the printer and sit back while it prints out your object. The printing process consists of building up tiny layers (about 0.3 mm thick) of material (usually plastic) in three dimensions to form the object. If you want to see a printer in action, check out this video from MIT, where 3-D printing, not surprisingly, was invented.

If you don’t have the money for your own 3-D printer, you can even design something online and have it printed and sent to you, or purchase an item designed by someone else at Shapeways, the first commercial website for designing and custom printing three-dimensional objects.

While we’re probably a couple of decades away from having these printers in our homes, they’ll probably be on campus much sooner than that. Perhaps one day, you’ll even be able to send a design to Campus Print and then print out an object while you’re doing research at the library. When the time comes, we’ll be sure to let you know how it affects your printing quota.

Simmons Moodle is Passing the Test

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Last month, we mentioned that our pilot test of the new eLearning system, Simmons Moodle, was getting under way. We’re happy to report that one month into the semester, we have received positive feedback from faculty members involved in the pilot. Last week, the team released a survey within Simmons Moodle to gather feedback from their students.

One of the major highlights pilot testers have been pointing out is improved communication, both between professors and students, and between students themselves. Simmons Moodle makes it easier to send, and reply to, class-wide announcements and has additional tools for collaboration and sharing of information.

Simmons Moodle is also structured more like other web services and many members of the pilot have found it easier to use than Blackboard and have responded positively to the enhanced communication and interactivity it provides.

Rex Krajewski, Head of Library Information Services for Simmons, and a faculty member, said he has found his experience with Simmons Moodle to be “overwhelmingly positive.” He also mentioned that, “It is easier…to use as an instructor, and it seems as though the students are having an easier time using it, as well. It feels less like an add-on or extra thing to do ‘just because,’ and more like an integral part of the course.”

In the near future, we will be working with members of the Administration and representatives for each school to outline a plan to make Simmons Moodle available for all classes at Simmons. Keep an eye on upcoming issues of TechNews for more about Simmons Moodle.

Simmons Connection: Your New Source for Information

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You spoke, we listened.

In order to create a better and more useful one-stop location for Simmons information, we have begun a project to replace MySimmons. The new system, called Simmons Connection, will improve on the existing portal and add new features, such as email integration, collaboration tools, and, soon, integration with Simmons Moodle.

In January, we sent a survey to students asking what you liked about MySimmons and what you would like to see changed or added to a new system. Based on this feedback, we began designing Simmons Connection from the ground up with your needs in mind. For example, we are working to add features you requested, such as a combined calendar/course schedule, as well as access to other Simmons services without having to log in separately.

In addition to building the Simmons Connection, we are also designing mobile apps so you can access this information from any device.

Simmons Connection will be available to students beginning Summer 2012. As soon as it’s ready, we’ll send an announcement along with information about new features and how to use them.

And don’t worry, Simmons Connection isn’t just for students. We will soon be sending a separate survey to faculty and staff to find out what features you want and need and we’ll then begin designing a version of Simmons Connection just for you.