Exploring Student Experimentation Strategies in Engineering Design Using an Educational CAD Tool

Ying Ying Seah, Purdue University

Abstract

Engineering design is a core element in engineering education and is making its place as one of the main skills for technology and engineering literacy. It involves an iterative process that results in context dependent solutions, and therefore, there is no single appropriate solution for a design problem. The open-ended nature of engineering design makes it hard to access. Past studies have demonstrated different ways of accessing engineering design and these include traditional methods such as think-aloud and written design journal, as well as more technologically advanced methods such as learning analytics. CAD tool has been around for quite some time in the field of engineering and is recently making its way into engineering design assessment with the incorporation of analytics. Not only does it have the potential of improving the assessment of engineering design, CAD also has the potential of helping students learn while they use it to solve problems by designing. The theory of inquiry learning promotes deeper and more meaningful learning by engaging students in processes (e.g. scientific processes), not just exposure to theories alone. Therefore, the purpose of this research study is to explore student experimentation behaviors in engineering design using an educational CAD tool.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Magana, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Information Technology|Engineering|Educational technology

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