Recent developments in Virtual Reality (VR) technology has prompted the manufacturing industry and software vendors to investigate VR's potential for process enhancement. In this paper, we present a study to investigate whether using VR could reduce an individual's cognitive workload during the process of programming an industrial robot. The…

The efficiency and popularity of computer-aided design (CAD) packages have been continually improving over the past couple of decades. Most of the graduating engineers are proficient in their use and prefer using CAD models instead of simple freehand sketches to communicate their ideas. While these CAD models can enable better visualization of the…

The current study examined the neural correlates of spatial rotation in eight engineering undergraduates. Mastering engineering graphics requires students to mentally visualize in 3D and mentally rotate parts when developing 2D drawings. Students' spatial rotation skills play a significant role in learning and mastering engineering graphics.…

Studies show that spatial skills are essential to engineering success, and particularly in engineering graphics courses. Research also shows that sketching is important in developing spatial skills. Aimed at improving the spatial skills of engineering students, an intervention was developed consisting of a workbook and software (Sorby et al.,…

This paper briefly reviews the author's experiences over the past four decades in transforming the Engineering Design Graphics (EDG) curriculum. During this time, the field has seen a remarkable evolution from manual drafting to 3-D computer modeling with its many applications to engineering design and analysis. The paper will further discuss the…

One of the leading frameworks in engineering education specifically associated with design based competencies is the CDIO framework. This has been incorporated internationally into many institutions offering engineering education courses. Characterized by four unique stages, the CDIO framework affords an ideal scenario to incorporate a continuous…

Engineering programs need to prepare the next generation of engineering professionals for tackling sustainability challenges that impact the social, environmental, and economic progress of the nation. This paper describes how the sustainable design concept was integrated into a freshman-level engineering gateway course that emphasized creative…

The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Visualization of Rotations (PSVT: R) is a widely used assessment of spatial ability. In this report, the factor structure of the PSVT: R test items was examined through confirmatory factor analysis with data from 541 engineering design graphics students. Stata 15 and Mplus 8.2 statistical software were used…

Spatial skills have a known beneficiary role in STEM students' academic success. This paper explores data relating to the role of spatial skills in electrical engineering problem solving which is a relatively under researched area. Data indicate a significant association between electrical engineering problem solving and spatial skills and a…

The aim of this paper is to provide educators and industrial design professionals with an insight into the development of innovative design ideation images manipulation techniques and, highlight how these techniques could be used to not only improve student ideation skills, but also as design enablers for a broader range of professionals working…

This article shows the benefits of active learning compared to traditional learning. It proves the importance of a fruitful discussion between peers. It is a sample of methodological change with no curricular change. It also shows the overall satisfaction of the students, who achieved an equal or better academic performance than the students in…

An antique phone booth was converted into an interactive Virtual Reality (VR) booth to use for potential student recruitment, current student demonstrations, and community outreach. Satisfaction data was collected using a HappyOrNot Smiley Terminal™. In total, 215 users provided feedback on their VR experience over 142 consecutive days. Eighty…

This paper is intended to investigate the merits of adding manipulative devices and solid model simulations to accompany traditional lecture and demonstration materials to a Dynamics course. Based on the successes of Graphics courses using manipulative devices and simulation software to enhance spatial visualization skills in engineering students,…

Spearman concluded that performance on any test of mental ability could be explained by several cognitive factors organized hierarchically as one general factor and several subordinate specific factors (Spearman, 1904, 1927). The general factor accounted for the significant amount of inter-correlation between all ability tests for any one…

Today's students enter engineering colleges with different technical backgrounds and prior graphics experience. This may due to their high school of provenience, which can be technical or non-technical. The prior experience affects students' ability in learning and hence their motivation and self-efficacy beliefs. This study intended to evaluate…