S3rve – Using 3D Printing to Support Service Learning with ThisAbles

What better way to start 2021 than with a brand new segment for Planet CodeBot. S3rve is a series of articles & projects that revolve around service learning. The goal of S3rve is to highlight and share unique and interesting ways to combine technology with service learning.

What is Service Learning?

Service learning is the combination of academic objectives with community service.

“A form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection as students seek to achieve real objectives for the community and deeper understanding and skills for themselves.”

Vanderbilt University

Simply put, it’s a way of allowing students to build their knowledge on a subject, while simultaneously helping out their community- either on a local or global scale.

ThisAbles

The ThisAbles project is focused on providing 3D printed solutions that allow people with special needs to live more independently. The project, which works in collaboration with Ikea, provides simple solutions to make existing products more accessible.

Easy Handle

The EasyHandle is one of many designs that ThisAbles produces. The page provides a brief summary of what the item is used for, links the Ikea products it fits on and includes installation instructions.

Once downloaded, the free file can be imported to a 3D slicer ready for printing.

Classroom Opportunities

The ThisAbles project is a clear example of how technology can be combined with service to achieve incredibly simple yet effective results. 3D design and printing allows students to take their ideas from conception to a physical product. Even better, by collaborating with a local organisation it is possible for the work that students create to actually have a real impact within their community.