The CAD 3D course improves students’ spatial skills in the technology and design education

Abstract

Abstract The nature of 3D ability is deeply considered, but little is known about students’ learning and understandings of technology and about the meaning to become more technologically capable. We considered the spatial intelligence of first-grade engineering students, how much that improved to the effect of 18 times 45 minutes course of computer-aided 3D modeling. We consider the success of our 3D course in spatial intelligence. According to the result of the tests, one-third of the engineer candidates has good spatial intelligence. We introduce some useful problems in 3D education; the presented problems help the students in learning how to solve technology problems, and how to design objects. We offer the intellectual pleasure of problem solving through 3D problems. Our CAD course excellently improves the spatial skills of the middle third of the students. Computer-aided 3D modeling also bridges the gap for students with worse spatial ability. Dealing with students in a more differentiated way about CAD modeling would be advisable.