Enough of the US-related education news for the past few months so let’s talk about what is happening in the education in other countries like the Philippines. The Philippine education system is gearing towards the use of new technology to complement the use of textbooks. 3D technology will soon be integrated into local college curricula to improve student learning and skills development.

The Philippine education landscape is about to integrate three-dimensional or 3D technology into its system. If plans push through, engineering students in some universities in the county will start receiving hands-on experience in the use of 3D designing computer program, which is being used by major engineering companies internationally.

The software to be used comes in various forms. Each is intended for digital production and manufacturing, virtual design, collaboration innovation, realistic simulation, and 3D mechanical design. It will facilitate a step up to the conventional use of textbooks through providing lifelike graphics and experiences. Students who will use the technology will be familiarized to use the necessary tools they will need to utilize when they actually work in the industry.

Using 3D technology

Moreover, designs to be created virtually can possibly be tested in real-life scenarios like those involving stress and heat. It will make it possible to virtually design just about anything from smart phones to buildings, and even consumer products like diapers.

The technology can be used through laptops, smart phones, tablet PCs, and just about any device that may possibly support and accommodate the program. This recognizes the expansion of scope of the digital age. Thus, students will be provided with more and better opportunities for modern collaboration and designing.

University of Versailles professor Thierry Chevrot said the 3D integration in Philippine education will further boost the engineering curricula and provide students with ideal supplements to their traditional or electronic textbooks. He added that 3D can be the best tool to induce learning strategies and techniques. He also asserted that this development will be most welcome because students will eventually have to use 3D technology when they graduate and take actual jobs especially in the engineering field.

Possible challenge

To some local educators, the real challenge will be integrating this technology into the curricula. Some skeptics point out that such new integration may not be based on product lifecycle management (PLM). It is expected that there will be setbacks and hindrances to make this integration really happen. Accreditation should first be obtained from the local commission on higher education. To do so, curriculum has to be adjusted and some textbooks will have to be replaced.

PLM is about culmination of software technologies, including electronics and mechanical design. The combination of things to make a product can be considered as PLM. Some experts point out that the 3D technology to be integrated into the Philippine education system can be supportive of PLM.

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