Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus Make a Role in the 3D Printing Workshops, help E

Introduction

The Learning Technology Center is a statewide program that supports all public K-12 districts, schools, and educators through technology initiatives, services, and professional learning opportunities. Their goal is to maximize school districts’ access to technology and enhance districts’ use of technology to improve educational opportunities for the students of Illinois.

Event Overview

In early 2025, Ben Sondgeroth from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois hosted two 3D printing workshops in different regions of Illinois. The first was hosted in Oglesby, IL, in collaboration with the Regional Office of Education 35 (ROE 35) on January 24th. A second session followed with Regional Office of Education 44 (ROE 44) in Crystal Lake, IL on February 21st, bringing hands-on 3D printing education to teachers across multiple districts.

Thanks to a partnership with Elegoo, educators had the opportunity to see the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus in action. This high-speed, user-friendly 3D printer was demonstrated live, showcasing its capabilities for classroom integration and STEM education.

Purpose of the Workshops

The workshops were designed to empower educators with knowledge and resources to incorporate 3D printing into their curriculum. Participants learned:

How 3D printing works (design, slicing, and printing processes)
The benefits of 3D printing in education, including STEM applications, problem-solving, and student engagement
How to find and create 3D models using platforms like Tinkercad, Thingiverse, and Printables
Best practices for maintenance, filament selection, and troubleshooting
Slicing software overview (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio)

Through hands-on demonstrations, teachers gained practical experience to bring back to their students.

Districts Represented & Impact

25 Educators from 11 different school districts attended the workshops, representing both rural and suburban areas across Illinois.

These districts span LaSalle County to McHenry County, helping bridge geographic gaps in access to cutting-edge educational tools. The workshops provided valuable training to educators eager to enhance classroom engagement through technology.

Key Takeaways & Educator Feedback

Educators were highly engaged, especially during the live 3D printing demonstration.
Many participants expressed excitement about introducing 3D design projects to their students.
The event emphasized how accessible 3D printing has become, thanks to affordable, classroom-friendly printers like the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus.
Participants appreciated the step-by-step guidance on slicing, print troubleshooting, and curriculum integration.

The Future of 3D Printing in Education

With rising demand for hands-on STEM learning, these workshops highlighted how 3D printing fosters creativity, problem-solving, and real-world skill development.

For those who couldn’t attend, resources and self-paced training opportunities are available at LTC Illinois. The goal is to expand access to 3D printing training and resources, ensuring more schools can bring this technology into their classrooms.

Learn more about the Learning Technology Center, by clicking here!