Onshape is amazing. I want to call it software, but you don’t download it, you access it through a web browser the same as logging into any standard website. Onshape was developed by the same team of software engineers that created Solidworks, one of the worlds most popular CAD modelling programs and is used in education around the world. After demand from schools who solely teach using cloud based tools, we are pleased to announce we created an Onshape version of learnbylayers 3D printing curriculum.

What are the benefits of Onshape?

The benefits are clear, there is no software to download and this is a major advantage for schools. Getting software onto school networks is no easy task. School technicians have to be consulted and then there is the logistical task of getting everything working as it should.

Also with schools having very strict policies of what can be installed and how often updates can be run, having the ability to avoid installing software can be a major bonus. Some schools outsource their IT support and don’t have technicians on site, if you need assistance directly with issues, this can be a challenge and time consuming.

Many schools are also moving to chromebooks and an article published by CNBC reported that half of all devices sold to US schools are cheaper model chromebooks.  With schools increasingly becoming cloud based having a easily accessible CAD platform through any device is a priority for classroom learning.

Furthermore  many students are bringing their own devices to class, meaning the downloading of software can be a non starter before the lessons have even started. With Onshape, classroom learners only need a browser and internet connection.

Learn CAD in a browser

Onshape bypasses all of the issues discussed above. With Onshape all teachers and students need is a login and then they are good to learn 3D modelling. What’s even better is the Onshape EDU plan is free for schools and can be accessed through all the main browsers. It can even be accessed through ipads  and iphones with an app on the apple store. Students can literally access their designs anywhere. They can also easily continue work they started in lesson at home, as long as they have internet access. In a climate of extended learning this is a must for a modern day curriculum.

Onshape lesson bundles

After we had multiple inquires from teachers asking about Onshape, we set about creating a customized curriculum tailored to Onshape. The beginners lesson pack is unchanged as this uses TinkerCAD a web based modelling program. Now the intermediate lesson pack and the advanced lessons have been created using Onshape meaning teachers can teach 3D printing from throughout all the years in their school without having to download, install and configure any software.

From a teachers point of view, this is a massive win. After the resources have been downloaded, it’s just a case of registering the school with the Onshape EDU plan and then you will have unlimited cloud storage for designs created by each student. What’s even better is this is all free. With most school budgets always under pressure, this is another major benefit.

All the resources include structured step by step guides and multiple video tutorials created in Onshape, allowing for students to have a truly immersive CAD experience in lesson. They are direct copies of the Fusion 360 version, same learning objectives and the same design challenges, just using Onshape rather than Fusion. With everything fully planned for the teachers, it’s just a case of a quick read of the resources and then deliver them in lesson. With the resources being editable, this allows for flexibility with teachers having the ability to customize the resources if they feel the need to.

To ask us any questions about our new Onshape curriculum, send us a message below or use the messenger chatbot and we will get back to you within a few hours.