3D-Assist: Experiences in a community based project and its potential for application in a blended learning environment

Fundamentally, engineering is about improving people’s quality of life and serving the greater good of our community. This paper considers the application of a community engagement within engineering education and its... [ view full abstract ]

Fundamentally, engineering is about improving people’s quality of life and serving the greater good of our community. This paper considers the application of a community engagement within engineering education and its potential in a blended learning environment. It then attempts to align the published outcomes of these approaches with the experiences of the 3D-Assist project at the Institute of Technology, Tallaght.

The “3D-Assist” group is an informal group of students, past students and staff at the Institute of Technology Tallaght. It was set up in January 2015 with a view to 3D printing prosthetic hands and arms for people who need them.

To date, it has manufactured over 30 prosthetic hands and arms for recipients in Ireland and the UK. It has also designed and manufactured assistive devices for visually impaired children and their teachers. The group is made up 5 staff members and approximately 12 student members. All its costs are covered through fundraising efforts of staff and students.

It has been observed that students involved with 3D Assist have benefited from their participation in the group. Their engagement with the community, collaboration with students from other courses and institutes and their interaction with recipients of the devices and families within the context of an academic programme have all been very positive experiences for the students.