Irish teachers and students benefiting from use of face shields

Irish teachers and students benefiting from use of face shields

As Irish schools have settled into a new routine for combatting the spread of Covid-19, there has been a notable shift from the use of face masks to face shields amongst teachers, with users citing a number of advantages as reasons for the change in habits.

MedScan3D, a Galway based supplier of AMBI Safe 3D printed face shields to schools across the country, has seen a significant increase in sales as the drawbacks of teaching with face masks have become apparent for many users. Feedback from schools, meanwhile, has pointed to better student engagement and an improved teaching environment as a result of the use of face shields.

“Our research is showing that the benefits of face shields are now being recognised by our teachers across the country,” says MedScan3D Technical Director Jacqui O’Connor. “A key advantage of face shields is that students and children are better able to recognise the facial expressions of the teacher, making communication and learning much more effective.”

Face shields providing better student engagement

In addition to a more positive learning environment for children, teachers who use face shields are also experiencing a better teaching experience, both in terms of communication with the children and in terms of actual comfort while wearing the face shields. With teachers having now worn face masks for prolonged periods of time in the class room, the more natural feel of the face shields has proven to be a welcome alternative.

According to Sarah McGinely, Principal at St. Josephs Special School in Galway, the improvement has been significant. “The face shields are a huge advantage over the masks, with the students now able to see facial expressions of the teachers.”

Face shields providing additional protection for close interaction

Another key to the face shields supplied by MedScan3d is that they are 3D printed by sister company 3D Technology Ltd., ensuring speedy turnaround times and excellent value for schools. James Wall, who is the founder of 3D Technology Ltd., believes the growth of face shields will continue, both in the school environment and wider society. “Our 3D printed face shields have been adopted by a wide range of sectors and organisations, including schools, retailers, construction companies and hospitality companies. They are proving to be an invaluable asset in the fight against Covid which is great to see.”

For schools looking to adopt face shields for staff over the coming weeks and months, they can contact Jacqui O’Connor on jacqui@medscan3d.ie or visit the AMBI Safe face shield website www.ambisafe.ie.