Remote Research Teaching Uses 3D Laser Scanning

Remote learning has been one of the hardest things for students to cope with. However, many teachers are remote learning and trying to figure out ways to teach their students without being there. When you are in biology, anthropology, or anything that requires studying human bones, animals, and more, what can you do? You can’t give your students the physical lab. This is where 3D laser scanning steps in.

By using a 3D laser scanning device, a teacher from a museum can scan bones to create a 3D replica for students to study. It is as precise as if the student were there in the lab. It doesn’t give them the real experience of holding and touching the vertebrates or bones. However, it allows them to zoom in and out and inspect all tiny holes and crevices of a structure. This tool enables teachers to give their students the best chance of learning.

The University of Washington has decided to adopt this technology because they understand that 3D laser scanning can bring more to the table than just scans. In the CAD model, any skeleton can show up, they can edit it, and they can let the students see what kind of habitat they lived in at the actual time. It is one of the best ways to teach students when a pandemic has spread its way worldwide.

Benefits of 3D laser scanning and teaching

This year teachers face obstacles that we have never seen before. They have to figure out a way to give their students resources without being physically present. They have to ensure the highest quality of education without a guide on how to do that. 3D laser scanning has helped in a few areas and may make its way to become one of the most useful tools for teachers.

• Free Programs- Many 3D laser scanning devices are already connected to free programs that allow the students to have access to the scans. Instead of having your kids spend thousands on supplies, they can see the scans for free and study them at no extra cost.
• Details- Although students are not in the same room, they can observe the objects as if they were in the room. It comes out to scale and is an exact replica of the item, making it useful.
• Communication- Though there is no way to share information in person or give in-person lectures, there are other ways to communicate. Notes can be added to the CAD system allowing the teacher to communicate the most critical parts of the object. It also allows teachers to send files across the world to other universities that might be in need.
• Safety- This technology not only keeps the students safe but also keeps the objects safe. There is no need to send skeletons to students, universities, or anywhere else in the world right now because the scans can be sent electronically. No harm comes to anyone or anything.

In a time of uncertainty, we can certainly count on 3D laser scanning. It helps our education system continue, limits human contact, and allows everyone to have the same access to objects. We will continue to see the rise of this technology in the academic world as we continue to fight against COVID-19.