Active Learning Strategies in Engineering Design and Computer Aided Design Education

Teaching the design process has involved numerous strategies which have been evolving over the past decades due to innovations in technology. New and fashionable educational methodologies, e-learning and wireless networked laptop technology are only the latest in a series of developments available to the computer aided design (CAD) instructor. The Internet as a tool for acquiring information from global sources has also proved invaluable to engineering students worldwide as an aid to research in many areas of their study, including design. Engineering departments, for their part, have responded by preparing courses that develop the skills of their students in using these technologies and methodologies.
The focus of this paper deals with the active learning and new technologies in teaching students about CAD and design. Students acquire a clear understanding of geometric construction using 2-D CAD, the fundamentals of orthographic projections using both freehand sketching and CAD software, dimensioning techniques, and isometric sketching. Students also learn 3-D solid modeling using solid primitives and Boolean operations to create composite solids. In addition, they use coordinate systems and various viewing transformations as well as develop 3-D spatial visualization skills and the ability to read and prepare engineering drawings in addition to undertaking an CAD project. Students with little or no prior skills in visualization will have developed and honed their abilities in using it as an effective design tool.
Furthermore, this course facilitates the student in two key educational areas which are evaluated in this paper. Firstly, the implementation of strategies to facilitate the transition of students from passive to active learning. Secondly, the role of educational methodologies in promoting independent and group centered learning skills as opposed to their prior experience of highly dependent learning.