Study to Determine if Beginning Engineering Design and Drafting Students Should Learn Visualization Skills Using Three Dimensional Computer Graphics

Abstract

This study was addressed to determine if three dimensional computer graphics should be used at the college and university level to teach visualization skills to beginning engineering design and drafting students. A goal of the study was to determine the pedagogical opinion of current Oklahoma college and university engineering graphics instructors concerning the use of 3D computer graphics as a beginning teaching tool. To accomplish this goal, a survey was mailed to each instructor currently teaching engineering graphics in Oklahoma. I am exceedingly grateful to all of the instructors who returned the survey. Without their cooperation and valuable input, this study would not have been possible. I would also like to express my appreciation to Dr. Gary Oakley, Dr. Robert Nolan and Dr. Ray Sanders of the School of Occupational and Adult Education at Oklahoma State University for their time and advisement during this study. The faculty and staff of the Technology Department at Cameron University have been very supportive throughout the process of this research. I express my sincere gratitude to them and to especially Mr. Tom Sutherlin who has been very helpful and knowledgeable throughout this study and throughout my career. To my wife, Kacey, I am extremely appreciative. Her support and encouragement has made this study and my goals possible.