3D printing is changing how educators and students see intellectual property in ways that defy established copyright and patent regulations. As the use of this technology in the classroom increases, students must deal with the moral and legal ramifications of creating, sharing, and remixing 3D content. This course aims to teach you how to deal with these issues to keep innovation legal and responsible. It starts by illustrating the shift from passive consumers to active creators.

The role of the Maker Movement, constructionist learning, design thinking and problem-solving in education will be discussed. Next, you will discover ethical considerations of 3D printing, navigating the ‘Prosumer’ culture and the ethical landscape within education. The focus will shift to printing-related issues, such as intellectual property rights, safety issues, privacy threats, and the appropriate use of design-sharing platforms.

The potential risks of free access to 3D printing, such as producing dangerous objects and policing open-source platforms, will be discussed. Additionally, you will understand the environmental concerns surrounding plastic waste and the risk of chemical exposure and emissions from 3D printing materials. Also, you will learn about licensing, the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), and the distinctions between copyright and patents. The final section will discuss future ethical issues surrounding 3D printing.