SRC to debut new 3D printer this fall

Starting with the 2015 fall semester, students in the Computer Information Services program at Spoon River College will get hands-on experience with 3D printing.

"This is a learning tool for all our students in the CIS program, regardless of what area of computer technology they are focusing on," said Dean Clary, who serves as the director of technological services at Spoon River College as well as an instructor in the CIS program.

3D printers – which allow any digital file to be turned into a physical three dimensional product – have been around for almost 30 years, but until recently, were cost-prohibitive. They come in all sizes and can print a variety of items from key chains to cars, using materials such as plastics, metal, or rubber to print the object in layers.

Clary said they will use the new printer to teach students about 3D modeling software and how to scale objects down, plus how to build, program, and repair the printer. "We will also be able to print replacement parts such as network jacks and pieces for switches and routers, plus create new parts."

As a director involved in making hiring decisions for his department, Clary knows that when it comes to computer technology savvy, employers are looking for two main things when interviewing job candidates: hands-on experience and knowledge of the most current technology.

"We try to be on the cutting edge as much as we can. Last year we began using a credit card sized computer called a Raspberry Pi to help teach website and monitor building skills. Learning about 3D printing will be one more skill our students can put on a resume."

And as a CIS instructor, Clary makes sure students get plenty of that hands-on experience that employers are looking for.

"By the time they complete this program, our students can take apart and put back together computers and servers, they can build and repair both home and industrial networks, install firewall systems, and much more. If they take the forensics class, they know how to track down evidence from a computer," said Clary. "They learn this by doing it. Our goal is to get our students job ready."

The CIS program offers an associate in applied science degree with two connecting certificates; computer forensics and computer information technology. Clary stresses that no experience or prior background in computers is needed to successfully complete the course.

"Many students think it's going to be too complex for them to understand, but we start at the very beginning with the fundamentals, and students soon realize that once they understand those, that knowledge can then be applied to everything that follows," Clary said.

For more information about the Computer Information Systems program at Spoon River College, visit the website at www.src.edu or call 647-4645.