Teaching and assessing CAD using online demonstrations

Abstract

This study introduces and evaluates a new method for teaching Computer Aided Design (CAD), to complement existing teaching and learning methods. It also introduces a novel method of assessment of CAD knowledge, whereby students themselves generate an online demonstration, talking through their approaches and techniques to develop a CAD model of their own. The rationale was to present a clear means of assessing student understanding, to encourage the students to apply their skills to their own design work and to create a community of learning where students share ideas, tips, and experiences and can learn from each other. Camtasia Studio 5 was used to capture video demonstrations of Rhinoceros 3.0 and Solidworks 2007 3D modelling. This was done by the tutor to complement traditional teaching methods and by students as an assessed activity. Various technical guidelines for the videos were provided for resolution, window size, verbal presentation tips and microphone settings. Recommendations on structure, discursive points, suitable content and alternative approaches were also made. Students responded well to the relaxed nature of the tutor demonstrations, accepting reasonable mistakes and appreciating the ability to be creative in their own work. This helped to overcome the initial fear of a live recording. The communal learning approach also provided a means to improve students’ attention to detail and their critical evaluation of different modelling approaches.