Enhanced Student Learning Experience in Technical Drawing and CAD through Augmented Reality and Micro-credentials
Jeff Hung, Daniel Weinman · 2020
Abstract Computer Aided Drafting and Design is a required freshman course for Mechanical Engineering Technology AAS and BS and Manufacturing Engineering Technology BS programs at a College in the U.S. The course teaches students technical drawings and computer aided design (CAD) which includes 2D computer aided drafting, and 3D modeling. These topics are closely related. The students who excel in these topics will have a much higher marketability than others because most mechanical design jobs in industry require the knowledge of technical drawings and CAD. In addition, the students must know these topics before they continue in the programs. The instructors of this course have observed that students typically struggle with technical drawings when they are required to visualize 2D orthographic views of a 3D object and visualize a 3D model from a 2D technical drawing. Traditionally, large physical demonstration models are used to demonstrate the teaching materials to the entire class. The models are cumbersome, and it is not practical to carry a variety of models for each student. As a result of this, students are forced to share the models which limits the time they have with the physical models and tends to negatively affect student learning. This traditional teaching method poses a major challenge particularly to students with learning disabilities who require extra time to learn the materials. Since this is a freshman course, teaching materials should be widely available to the freshman students to encourage them to review the course materials and ensure their success in the course in order for them to move forward to other courses. Accordingly, new demonstration models through augmented reality (AR) are proposed to enhance student learning in technical drawing and CAD. Micro credentials such as digital badges are also proposed to motivate students to achieve better than just a passing grade and further improve their marketability. This paper discusses the development of the new teaching tools and micro credentials.