Using different methodologies and technologies to training spatial skill in Engineering Graphic subjects

Abstract

Most papers about spatial skills and their components refer to the fact that engineering, architectural and scientific jobs require a good level of spatial ability. Spatial ability has an impact on every scientific and technical field, so it's still undergoing strong development when it comes to engineering, technology, art and many other aspects of life. In the academic environment, Graphic Design teachers usually see students who have difficulties solving tasks requiring spatial reasoning and viewing abilities. The main aim of this work is the development of didactic material based on several virtual and augmented reality formats, knowing how students behave while using them, and checking if they are useful materials to improve their spatial abilities. This work present Three different technologies: virtual reality, augmented reality and portable document format to find out if they are suitable technologies together suitable methodologies to improve spatial ability and from the student's perspective, their opinion of the tool and their motivation to learn more about the aspects of 3D reality. We present a pilot study that compared the results of improvement in spatial ability acquired by freshman engineering students also a survey of satisfaction and motivation of the methodology and technology used.