Community reviews for Tinkercad

There is no doubt that 3D print and design is here to stay and will continue to be integrated and embedded in all curriculum and content in education. Tinkercad is one fo the best entry level CAD software tools for students learning 3D design. There is no fee associated with tool, and students may access from any device. Additional tutorials are available through the TinkerCad YouTube channel and students may view 3D print models created in the tool in The Gallery on the site. If you are starting to explore 3D print and design, start with TinkerCad.

There are a number of video tutorials available as well as step by step text tutorials in Project Ignite, so it can be used by learners with a range of literacy levels. I love that it saves as students work, so lost work is rare. It would be even better if Tinkercad or Project Ignite gave teachers the ability to access/share student designs.

TinkerCad is a great introduction to CAD and 3D printing. It works well with the Ultimaker 3D printer. I see this as a more upper elementary and middle school learning platform, and would encourage all students to try and create something. Learning by doing! This is also nice because it is free. The only challenge was the age level. It does not allow you to have an account until you are 13. To work around this, we created a class account and all the students used that account to create. It was a little chaotic to navigate all the designs within the account, but we were thankful everyone had a chance to design and work with the program.

Tinkerbot is an excellent tool for hands on 3-D design. It is not quite digital lego but close. The video tutorials are excellent but you really have to get a feel for the building and control to make progress. In other words, start building almost right away especially if you have someone experienced with you. Using the keyboard shortcuts was critical for building success. I would also suggest that you go beyond the gallery for ideas using sites like Thingiverse.com. Overall, Tinkercad is an excellent 3-D design tool accessible on both computers and tablets although it works best on a computer.

This is a great started and go to program for students to learn prior to using a program like AutoCad. It was easy for all levels of students to pick up and complete. I liked that they could explore and create with little frustration. I was able to identify the students who really caught on quickly and made them the TinkerCad Ninjas who would teach me and the class skills and techniques. I found often that students wanted to use this program for projects- or even just at home for fun. They really gained creativity, confidence, and produced amazing things.