Can Interactive Web-based CAD Tools Improve the Learning of Engineering Drawing? A Case Study

• Published in: Journal of science education and technology Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 398 - 411
• Main Authors: Cerra, Pablo Pando, González, Jesús M. Suárez, Parra, Bernardo Busto, Ortiz, Diana Rodríguez, Peñín, Pedro I. Álvarez
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Science+Business Media 01.06.2014; Springer Netherlands; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Academic learning; Case Studies; College Students; Comparative Analysis; Comparative studies; Computer aided design; Computer Graphics; Control Groups; Conventional Instruction; Design; Distance education; Education; Educational environment; Educational Technology; Engineering drawings; Engineering Education; Environmental engineering; Experimental Groups; Graphics; Interactive control; Learning; Learning Processes; Online education; Online learning; Science Education; Scores; Statistical Analysis; Statistical methods; Student Behavior; Students; Teaching Methods; Web applications; Web Based Instruction; Computer-assisted learning; Interactive learning environments; Self-study tools; Engineering Drawing
• ISSN: 1059-0145; 1573-1839
• DOI: 10.1007/s10956-013-9471-7

Many current Web-based learning environments facilitate the theoretical teaching of a subject but this may not be sufficient for those disciplines that require a significant use of graphic mechanisms to resolve problems. This research study looks at the use of an environment that can help students learn engineering drawing with Web-based CAD tools, including a self-correction component. A comparative study of 121 students was carried out. The students were divided into two experimental groups using Web-based interactive CAD tools and into two control groups using traditional learning tools. A statistical analysis of all the samples was carried out in order to study student behavior during the research and the effectiveness of these self-study tools in the learning process. The results showed that a greater number of students in the experimental groups passed the test and improved their test scores. Therefore, the use Web-based graphic interactive tools to learn engineering drawing can be considered a significant improvement in the teaching of this kind of academic discipline.