ABSTRACT VIEW
Abstract NUM 2286

TEACHER TRAINING IN THE DESIGN OF EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES USING 3D PRINTING
M.E. Arce Fariña1, A. Díaz-Longueira1, M. Timiraos1, M.A. Alvarez-Feijoo2, X. Vecino2, R. Devesa-Rey3
1 University of A Coruña (SPAIN)
2 University of Vigo (SPAIN)
3 University Defense Center at Spanish Naval Academy (SPAIN)
This communication presents an educational initiative aimed at training Early Childhood and Primary Education teachers in the use of Tinkercad and 3D printing to design and create educational resources. Developed within the framework of the Polos Creativos project (funded by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology – Ministry of Science and Innovation, ref. 19414), a series of workshops were organized to empower teachers with digital design and fabrication tools applicable in the classroom.

Tinkercad was introduced as an accessible 3D modeling environment, enabling teachers to develop key skills such as spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity while designing personalized didactic materials. The designed models were then printed and implemented in various curricular areas (math, science, language, etc.).

One of the most relevant aspects of this initiative is the capacity to create customized materials tailored to the specific needs of students. This includes visual aids, sensory manipulatives, and inclusive tools that enhance the participation of learners with functional diversity. The practical implementation of the training revealed high teacher motivation and improved willingness to integrate digital technologies into their pedagogical practices.

Overall, the project highlights how the combined use of Tinkercad and 3D printing not only enriches student learning but also strengthens teachers’ digital competence and promotes the adoption of active, collaborative, and inclusive methodologies in early education stages.

Keywords: Teacher training, 3D printing, digital design, inclusive education, educational resources.

Event: ICERI2025
Track: Teacher Training & Ed. Management
Session: Teacher Training and Support
Session type: VIRTUAL