3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: BRIDGING IMAGINATION AND PRACTICE THROUGH PRE-SERVICE TEACHER ENGAGEMENT

Authors : Ayşegül Aslan, Nazlıcan Kökduman
Pages : 721-736
Doi:10.46519/ij3dptdi.1706891
View : 116 | Download : 229
Publication Date : 2025-12-28
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :This research aims to develop the competencies of preschool pre-service teachers in using 3D printer technologies in their educational processes and to increase the awareness of children towards this technology. In the study with a mixed-methods design, 10 pre-service teachers studying in the Preschool Teaching program at Trabzon University and 10 children studying in a kindergarten participated. During the implementation process, pre-service teachers were given 10 weeks of online design training; the pre-service teachers modelled the materials imagined by preschool children using the Tinkercad software, and these models were presented to the students after being produced with 3D printers. As data collection tools, the \\\"Attitude Scale Towards the Use of 3D Printers by Pre-service Teachers\\\" and open-ended interview forms for pre-service teachers and children, were used. In the analysis of quantitative data, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used, while the content analysis method was employed for the analysis of qualitative data. As a result of the research, it was determined that there was a significant increase in the attitudes of pre-service teachers towards 3D printer technology (p <.05). Additionally, pre-service teachers stated that this technology is important for solving material shortages, supporting creativity, and enriching learning processes in preschool education. Children, on the other hand, expressed that meeting 3D printers was exciting and that they felt pleased, confident, and creative when the toys they imagined came to life. In line with these findings, it has been concluded that 3D printer technology can be considered an innovative and functional learning tool for both teachers and students in preschool education.
Keywords : 3D Printing, Early Childhood Education, Pre-Service Teacher, Material Design, Educational Technology.

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