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Are '3Doodler' pens the next big thing in schools?

Dubai - The '3Doodler' can help students become interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and introduce them to the concept of 3D printing.

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A new pen with the potential to change the way children think and draw is making waves in the UAE, allowing students to draw in three dimensions and bring their drawings to life as freestanding structures.
The '3Doodler' - designed by WobbleWorks, an American start-up originally funded through Kickstarter - is essentially the "hot end" of a 3D printer, which uses heated plastic that cools instantly, allowing one to "draw" upwards and in every direction. The device sells for Dh499.

3Doodler gets a fan in 10-yr-old Currently, the 3Doodler has developed a relatively smaller, but dedicated following in the UAE. Among the local users is 10-year-old Shreya Beas, a Grade 5 student at the Indian High School in Dubai. "It's not difficult to use, and it's very easy to understand," Shreya told Khaleej Times. "It's very interesting and exciting, and you can make whatever you want with it. I have made a guitar, a bicycle, all sorts of different models, and even the Eiffel Tower. "My father told me about it and took me for a training session at his office. We can use it for many things. It's an innovative tool for designing science models. That's what I do. You can clearly make every stage. Since it's in 3D, people can see it, examine it, and understand it." Her mother, Sheena, echoed Shreya's enthusiasm for the unique tool. "Initially, when I heard about it, I had no idea you could make 3D models," she said. "I wanted her to just explore." Sheena, a schoolteacher, said she can see the 3Doodler and similar technologies changing the way children learn. "I think this will be the next thing in education," she said. "Let's say Shreya wants to make a drawing of a heart. With the use of this pen she can make a 3D model that shows all the chambers clearly. "This will give teaching a new dimension. It will bring creativity into designing buildings, for example." bernd@khaleejtimes.com

The 3Doodler was among the items on display at the recent Dubai Airshow's 3D-printing pavilion, where its designers showcased the massive, colourful designs that the pen makes possible.
"Architects could use it to make sketches of buildings, and I have crafts-people (who) ... use it for little items, like to decorate a purse," WobbleWorks founder and CEO Maxwell Bogue said at the airshow.
"Schools are using it to teach physics and geometry classes, as well as sculpture and design."
Smira Ahmed, business development and marketing manager for The 3DBee, a local company set up as a hub for online printers and the 3doodler, said local schools have already expressed interest in the 3Doodler.
"At my son's school in Jumeirah, they have it in their robotics design after-school club," she said.
"We're also in negotiations with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) and we're looking to get it into the local school system. There's a lot of interest. It's getting teachers excited."
The 3Doodler has already been used at educational events, including the annual Innovator event in Abu Dhabi, the Innovation Hub Spring Camp in RAK and Think Science 2015 in Dubai. A 3Doodler workshop was held for the Sharjah Girl Guides in August.
Ahmed said the 3Doodler has the added benefit of helping students become interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and introduce them to the concept of 3D printing.
"With something like this where you add an element of creativity, all of a sudden girls are also interested in engineering, like putting together a bridge, and boys who like to see exactly what they're doing don't lose interest.
"This is also just a step before actually introducing 3D printers, which are just around the corner. 3D printers are going to be in schools eventually, probably sooner than later."
bernd@khaleejtimes.com