Due to the user base of student-teachers, who are pedagogical rather than technical experts, the university required a printing solution that was exceptionally reliable and easy to use. The lab is equipped with a fleet of Original Prusa printers, including the MK3 and the latest MK4S models. The choice was driven by dependability and minimal maintenance requirements, according to the University Assistant MSc. Mathias Tejera, teachers appreciate that they can simply load a file and print without needing technical assistance, a critical factor for classroom adoption.
Features like the MK4S’s Input Shaper are highly valued, significantly reducing print times and allowing for rapid iteration of teaching tools. The integrated Prusa ecosystem, particularly the pre-calibrated profiles for Prusament filaments in PrusaSlicer, ensures consistent, high-quality results without requiring manual adjustments.
From Gamified Learning to Enhanced Accessibility
The program at JKU Linz focuses on practical applications that future teachers can apply immediately in their own classrooms. This hands-on approach directly prepares educators to make learning more engaging and effective.
Student-teachers develop custom educational tools, including gamified learning aids. A key example is “Genius Square,” a 3D-printed, multi-level tic-tac-toe game that teaches spatial reasoning, logic, and coordinate systems through play. Another project involves printing a cube as a puzzle of interlocking pieces with equal volume, transforming a difficult mathematical concept into an intuitive, physical challenge.
One of the most impactful applications of 3D printing at JKU is in accessibility. The team is part of a project developing tactile models of mathematical functions for visually impaired students. These 3D-printed graphs enable students to physically interact with and explore the behavior of functions, providing a depth of understanding that would be impossible to achieve through other means.
The student-teachers not only use the 3D printers but also share their creations and connect with a global community of educators through platforms like Printables.com. This peer-to-peer sharing multiplies the impact of their work, allowing innovative teaching tools developed in Linz to be utilized in classrooms worldwide.
A 3D-printed geometric model used in math lessons.
Students experimenting with 3D printers in the Future Learning Lab.
A custom teaching aid created with Prusament PLA.
A custom teaching aid created with Prusament PLA.
The Johannes Kepler University (JKU) in Linz, Austria, is a leading institution known for its strong focus on technology, science, and societal impact. A core part of its mission is the Linz School of Education, which trains the next generation of educators. Central to this initiative is the “Future Learning Lab,” a space where student-teachers experiment with cutting-edge technology to develop innovative pedagogical methods, with a particular focus on 3D printing to make abstract concepts tangible.
