Using 3D virtual technologies to train spatial skills in engineering

Abstract

Engineers are required to have good levels of spatial skills in order to operate in a professional environment. Consequently, we may state that spatial skills are a professional skill which engineers must acquire. In this work, a methodology based on 3D virtual technologies and tools have been implemented in terms of the curriculum of the subject of Engineering Graphics. The experimental study has been carried out with different groups of students from several engineering degrees who studied that subject, using different 3D virtual technologies. Once the subject is completed, the results indicate that there is a significant difference between the spatial ability levels acquired by the groups which had 3D technology support compared with those which didn't. Regardless of the technology used, the improvement is quite similar over both groups, without any significant differences. The academic performance of the students is much better on the part of those groups using these technologies compared with those who complete the course following traditional methods.