Engineering Design Graphic Journal (ASEE - American Society for Engineering Education)
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Improvement of Spatial Ability Using Innovative Tools: Alternative View Screen and Physical Model RotatorR
Get PDFSpatial ability, which is positively correlated with retention and achievement in engineering, mathematics, and science disciplines, has been shown to improve over the course of a Computer-Aided Design course or through targeted training. However, which type of training provides the most beneficial improvements to spatial ability and whether other means would be more effective, is not known. In this research project, two tools for use in spatial ability training were developed and evaluated. One tool, a Physical Model Rotator (PMR), rotates a physical model of an object in synchronous motion with a model of the same object in CAD software. The other training tool, the Alternative View Screen (AVS), provides the user of CAD software with both a solid model (including shading) and a line version view of the object. Students with poor spatial ability were identified through standardized testing and they were then trained over a four week period for one hour each week. The effectiveness of the training tools was evaluated by comparing spatial ability test scores before and after training. Results showed an increase did exist when targeted training was provided. However, this effect was not statistically significant, possibly due to the small sample size
Subsurface Mapping: A Question of Position and Interpretation
Get PDFThis paper discusses the character and challenges inherent in the graphical portrayal of features in subsurface mapping. Subsurface structures are, by their nature, hidden and must be mapped based on drilling and/or geophysical data. Efficient use of graphical techniques is central to effectively communicating the results of expensive exploration programs and intensive data interpretation. Data sets used in subsurface mapping tend to be sparse, resulting in generalization of subsurface structures. Control of subsurface structure is materially influenced by faulting or other structures, and the preparation of subsurface data for mapping must reflect this control. The graphical techniques involved in this work require use of a variety of graphics carefully designed to assist the map user in visualizing the subsurface
Integrating Surface Modeling into the Engineering Design Graphics Curriculum
Get PDFIt has been suggested there is a knowledge base that surrounds the use of 3D modeling within the engineering design process and correspondingly within engineering design graphics education. While solid modeling receives a great deal of attention and discussion relative to curriculum efforts, and rightly so, surface modeling is an equally viable 3D modeling option in many circumstances within industry as well as academic settings. However, is often not given its due consideration within engineering design graphics (EDG) curricula for a variety of reasons, some being more practically oriented than others. This paper is an effort to provide a rationale for the inclusion of 3D surface modeling into the EDG body of knowledge, an example of the inclusion of such a course in an EDG curriculum, and potential topics to be covered and assessment strategies to be used during the instruction
The Understated Value of Freehand Sketching in Technology Education
Get PDFAs education plays such a vital role in economic competitiveness, it is no surprise that the focus for many governments is to invest in educational initiatives. Innovation in pedagogy, refined curriculum and much research into the science of teaching and learning is hoped to promote a knowledge economy. In recent years the Irish education systems have been particularly proactive in the area of technology education. Four new subjects were drafted at Senior Cycle level, all with a common philosophy grounded in design and technology. This clear shift in focus from the traditional craft based subjects to a more creative design-based suite of subjects has brought with it an unprecedented need for continuous professional development. This paper focuses on the shift in skill set from teaching in a predefined drawing mode to that of a conceptual mode that fosters creativity. As technical sketching is a fundamental building block of all design-based activities, it formed the core of this study. Focusing on the learning process under the descriptors of presage, process and product enabled a linear exploration of an otherwise complex dynamic learning experience. Although the perception of innate ability restricts the level of application of many teachers in terms of sketching, it proved a valuable attribute as a comparative criterion when selecting contributors. The study included participants that subjectively claimed an average standard of sketching capabilities and a polar group with a prerequisite mindset governed by the phrase “I cannot sketch”. All participants completed a purpose designed five-week course of study. The course included much psychomotor skill development; however the significant value of the course content centered on the cognitive development that progressed from knowledge acquisition to synthesis. The paper concludes by highlighting the value of “Process” based education over the traditional “Product” approach and presents empirical evidence that illustrate enhanced cognitive capabilities of the participants. The use of pre and post intervention data and qualitative commentary validates the suggestion that there is a greater cognitive value to sketching than a completed composition
Assessing and Enhancing Visualization Skills of Engineering Students in Africa: A Comparative Study
Get PDFVisualization skills are believed to be a strong indicator of success in engineering, science, and a variety of other careers. Previous studies have compared the visualization skills of first year engineering students in the US with their cohorts in Europe and Brazil, but to date there have been no data reported for developing countries in Africa. Studies have shown that training can enhance visualization skills in a relatively short time. This paper will report on the results of a study of first year engineering students at the Polytechnic of Namibia that have been exposed to a short course to improve visualization skills
Evolution of Test Items: From Open-ended to Multiple-Choice
Get PDFGrading is often a faculty member’s least favorite chore, especially in engineering where open-ended problems prevail. For this reason, multiple-choice test items could be a popular alternative for assessing learning and understanding. In addition, most Learning Management Systems allow the instructor to cre¬ate multiple-choice questions to be scored automatically by the system. The use of multiple-choice items in engineering graphics education could increase efficiency, allowing instructors to focus on other aspects of their teaching rather than spending significant time grading open-ended problems. The authors of this paper have been involved in a project to develop a Concept Inventory for Engineering Graphics over the past several years. Since Concept Inventories typically consist of multiple-choice items, development of this instrument was reliant on the creation of numerous valid and reliable items. This paper will focus on the process employed in multiple-choice item creation with application to engineering graphics. The process will be illustrated through demonstration of item evolution through several iterations
