Educators in North America Invited to Collaborate Regarding Digital Fabrication Curriculums

BOSTON, Aug. 16, 2016 — (PRNewswire) — Ultimaker, the leading open source 3D printer manufacturer, announced today the official launch of the Ultimaker Pioneer Program designed to connect educators throughout North America who are passionate about bringing 3D printing and design into K – 12 and higher education.

The Ultimaker Pioneer Program allows educators, or Pioneers, to feature their 3D printing expertise and knowledge by sharing useful content on the new Ultimaker Education website. Contributors will maintain ownership of their own content through Creative Commons Attribution, Share-Alike, and Non-Commercial licensing. By visiting the Ultimaker Education website, educators throughout North America will have access to resources and knowledge that may not be available locally.

"Teaching 3D modeling and printing in our schools is a relatively new educational endeavor and faculty are on the front lines, figuring out the best methods of teaching as we continue to learn about the topic ourselves," said Burton Isenstein, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. "It's smart to tap into what's already happening in classrooms throughout the world and the Ultimaker Pioneer Program will help educators build a base of knowledge upon everyone's experience."

The growing Ultimaker Pioneer Program community currently has a presence in 21 states with 58 educators who are passionate about using 3D printing in education to inspire, excite and motivate their students.

"The Ultimaker Education Pioneers Program is a first of its kind, bringing together educators who have experience with 3D printing, regardless of the printer brand or model, and who are willing to share with other educators throughout North America," said John Kawola, President of Ultimaker North America. "We're thrilled to facilitate this program, assisting in enhancing the way young generations create with technology."

"The greatest benefit of this program is the facilitation of collaboration and innovation amongst education professionals in the field of 3D design and manufacturing," said Geoff Frankl, a Technology Coordinator for 7 – 12 grade students at IvyTech Charter School in Moorpark, California. "All of this will translate into modern curricula involving this burgeoning technology, the paramount goal of which will be transforming today's youth into tomorrow's well-trained and globally-competitive employee or entrepreneur."

To learn how to use 3D printing in the classroom to excite and motivate students, please visit the new Ultimaker Education website, https://ultimaker.com/education. To learn more about joining the Pioneer Program to contribute and inspire other educators, please visit www.ultimaker.com/en/blog/21933-pioneer-program-launches-with-58-power-educators.

About Ultimaker

From the very beginning Ultimaker's vision has been to make 3D printing accessible to all. It is why all their desktop printers are extremely quiet, fast, accurate, reliable and effortless to use. Such a commitment has been embraced by professionals and novices alike. This has also helped Ultimaker to become one of the most successful and reliable open source 3D printing companies in the world. Most recently, Ultimaker was awarded "Best in Shootout" 2015 from the established Make Magazine, Editors' Choice by Digital Trends and Best Consumer Product at the 3D Printshow Global Awards 2014.  

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SOURCE Ultimaker

Contact:

Ultimaker Laura Galloway, Ultimaker North America Email Contact 617-877-0122; Katie Ackerman, SHIFT Communications for Ultimaker Email Contact 617-779-1867 Web: https://ultimaker.com