According to Universal Laser Systems, laser printing allows students to practice problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and team building. H2I Group Sales Representative and former Elementary Teacher, Larry Granec says laser engravers are widely used in middle and high schools and are filtering down for elementary use. He says, “In this digital world, if you’re going to teach digital graphics, do you want to just look at it on a screen or do you want to actually make something you can touch and share?” Granec says these tools teach all areas of STEAM. Students can create the artwork, measure a design and scale it to fit, and use the technology to create the tangible object. The technology uses physics, combustion, light, laser, etc. The whole process of designing, building, and using the machinery is engineering. “It’s a way of creating your own hands-on learning environment.”

It doesn’t stop there. The items created can then be used for many other areas of education.

“The groups that are using the technology to the fullest extent are not only printing student designs,” Jesse Roitenberg says, “but also print models to assist teachers in teaching. 3D printed fossils for teaching Science and History, mathematical models to showcase tough-to-visualize concepts, and much more.”

The integration of technical education in elementary schools is a significant development in the education system. It provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop their interests in technology, opening up a range of career possibilities. Technical education also prepares students for the future, where technology will play an even more prominent role in the workforce.