Proposes a simple approach for including exercises into the freshman level classroom to help first and second semester students approach and solve problems in novel and inventive ways. (Author/CCM)

Introduces a project for planning a modern engineering design curriculum for the 21st century in the field of engineering design graphics. (Author/CCM)

Answers several questions regarding background information on research in spatial skills. Describes strategies that graphics educators can adopt to develop these skills in students. (Author/CCM)

Describes new geometric computer models used in contemporary computer-aided design (CAD) software including wire frame, surface, solid, and parametric models. Reviews their use in engineering design and discusses the impact of these new technologies on the engineering design graphics curriculum. (Author/CCM)

Presents several computer-related techniques that encourage engineering design graphics (EDG) students to develop knowledge at levels 4 and 5 of Bloom's taxonomy. Contrasts this approach to extend the educational process with the development of training skills at knowledge levels 2 and 3, which are often the sole basis for EDG instruction.…

Argues that being creative is the means through which to produce and express new, novel, and occasionally useful ideas that should be applied to technology and engineering students. Examines theories about creative thinking, the process, and some aspects of teaching and learning creativity. (Author/CCM)

Describes courses designed to complement mainstream technical graphics courses in architectural and mechanical graphics. Vocational track students and precollege students mainly benefit from these courses. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Reports on a study to determine whether the presence of coordinate axes in a test of spatial-visualization ability affects scores and response times on a mental-rotations task for students enrolled in undergraduate introductory graphic communications classes. Based on Pavios's dual-coding theory. Contains 36 references. (DDR)

Evaluates the use of modern CAD methods to solve geometric problems. Solves descriptive geometry problems using the layout and position of the successive auxiliary views from the projection of three-dimensional figures onto a two-dimensional plane of paper. (CCM)

Offers a solution to the problem of locating and recruiting students into technology programs. Suggests that educating potential students about technology areas and programs through laboratory demonstrations is effective. Reviews the demonstrations used at one institution for this purpose. (DDR)

Examines the reactions of freshman engineering graphics students to an interactive multimedia computer compact disk. The disk is used in conjunction with a textbook and a student survey is used to assess reactions to the material. Results indicate that the material helped in understanding the course material. (DDR)

Reports on the development of a new CAD/CAM laboratory experience for an Engineering Design Graphics (EDG) course. The EDG curriculum included freehand sketching, introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), and emphasized 3-D solid modeling. Reviews the project and reports on the testing of the new laboratory components which were…

Presents a command organizer for AutoCAD to aid new uses in operating within the 3-D modeling environment. Addresses analyzing the problem, visualization skills, nonlinear tools, a static view of a dynamic model, the AutoCAD organizer, environment attributes, and control of the environment. Contains 11 references. (JRH)

Reports on a project that extended the Engineering Design Graphics curriculum to include instruction and laboratory experience in computer-aided design, analysis, and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Discusses issues in project implementation, including introduction of finite element analysis to lower-division students, feasibility of classroom prototype…

Describes a pregraphics course for freshman engineering majors weak in three-dimensional spatial visualization skills. Freshman students scoring less than 60% correct on the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Rotations (PSVT:R) were counseled into the course. Gain scores for students after the course on the PSVT:R were shown to be statistically…