Higher education leaders in Europe have stated that new printing technologies play a key role in syllabuses across the continent, according to research by Ricoh. In the new study, 88% say that new skills learnt through the use of these technologies – such as digital fabrication and 3D printing – are vital to educational success and preparing students for the graduate job market. David Mills, CEO of Ricoh Europe, said: “Digital fabrication and 3D printing provide the ability to illustrate complex concepts across a variety of subjects. As the way people and machines work together continues to evolve, integrating technical abilities into the learning process helps ensure the skills required of the future workforce become second nature for today’s students.” These particular skills are crucial for prototyping concepts and designs in textiles, medicine, automotive and engineering sectors, among others. 65% of those surveyed say 3D printing is an increasingly important component of STEM-based learning. 84% of educational facilities have already invested or are planning to invest in what are known as ‘maker education’ practices – printing technologies that enable students to construct and personalise objects to support their learning – over the next two years. 66% of respondents say investing in new printing technology is a key way to attract new students and improve student satisfaction with their institution and course. Mills added: “Rising tuition fees across much of Europe have had a fundamental impact on the role of educational institutions. Encouraged to act more like ‘service providers’, universities and colleges must continually raise the bar in both student satisfaction and accessibility. “Responding to this by using print in new ways to offer increasingly diverse courses and tailored syllabus content is fast becoming essential.”
Printing technologies including digital fabrication and 3D printing are key to higher education syllabuses across Ricoh Europe , according to imaging and electronics company Europe . Its survey found 88% of higher education leaders said the skills learned through the technology were vital in preparing students to enter the graduate job market. The technology helped develop designs and concepts in engineering, medicine, textiles and automotive industries. Digital said 66% of educational institutions had invested or were planning to invest in the technologies by 2020 and 88% of survey respondents said such equipment would help attract new students and improve course satisfaction.