COLLINSVILLE — Kristy Wooldridge was attending a technology workshop at Mississippi State University last fall when she noticed a 3-D printer on display at one of the university's libraries.
So when Joy Garretson, the continuing education training coordinator for the Mississippi Library Commission, opened the device up for rental by Mississippi schools, Wooldridge made sure she was first to apply.
And the West Lauderdale High School librarian got her wish, as the 3-D printer sits on display in the school's library media center.
"Kids come in and out all day," Wooldridge explained. "They're fascinated, amazed... enthralled almost. Of course, we have one girl who researched it and knows everything about it."
The printer uses corn filament, a biodegradable material, that comes in a string-like form to "print" small objects such as keychain accessories, a Superman logo or even a fishing lure. Students can find designs online then download them onto an SD card, which is then inserted into the printer so the design of their choice, which can take anywhere from six minutes to a few hours to complete. The school has the machine on loan for four to six weeks.
"I think it's amazing, because when I grew up, we didn't have technology as advanced as that," Wooldridge said. "It's like it has its own little mind."
For Jena Wiggings, who teaches technology classes at West Lauderdale, the printer is a chance for students to gain hands-on learning experience.
"It's expanded their possibilities and thoughts and has made them think of things in different ways," Wiggins said. "Instead of what's already been created, they think about what can be created."
That's certainly the case for West Lauderdale senior Landon Cook. A student council officer, Cook was helping organize a fishing tournament at Okatibbee Lake that raised money for the student council this past weekend. He planned to use a fishing lure the printer designed.
"I think it's really neat," Cook said. "You can add your own creativity and add something special that you can't buy at a store. It allows you to put your own personal spin on it."
Like Wooldridge, Cook said he's noticed the fascination over the 3-D printer by the school's student body.
"It's something we've never seen before — not in person anyway," Cook said. "It's something you always heard about."
Cook also said it's important for students to get familiar with such technology as part of their learning experience.
"The personal interaction gives you a whole different experience," Cook said. "It really helps you understand (the technology)."
Jason Strawbridge, who works at local forensics lab Ron Smith and Associates, was on-hand at West Lauderdale recently to speak to students about their possible future career choices. Noticing the 3-D printer, Strawbridge said that kind of technology is exactly what high schoolers should have at their disposal.
"It drives their passion toward something they can put their hands on and in turn drive them toward a career," Strawbridge said.
Since job fields are often more concerned about the latest way of doing things, as opposed to experience, Strawbridge said being familiar with the latest technology can also give students an edge going into career fields. Ultimately, though, it's about piquing students' interests.
"I would say, if it's something that interests them, definitely pursue the direction of using and learning these devices," Strawbridge said.
Source → 3-D printer big hit at West Lauderdale
