Fostering Spatial Ability Through Computer-Aided Design: a Case Study

Abstract

Spatial ability is considered a major factor of intelligence and is increasingly important in times of digitization. This article explores the fostering of spatial ability through computer-aided design software. Different notions of spatial ability will be discussed, and, finally, a concept consisting of five aspects will be described. In addition, literature reviews on the connection between the use of computers and the fostering of spatial ability, as well as on the use of 3D printing technology in mathematics education, are given. Building on this, a case study is presented which examines the work of two middle-school students using computer-aided design software within a workshop at the University of Siegen. From the data material, basic possible actions within such software are derived. These are, based on theory, connected with the five aspects of the specific concept of spatial ability used. The results show various perspectives for the fostering of spatial ability with computer-aided design software.

Edge Models with the CAD Software: Creating a New Context for Mathematics in Elementary School

“…Compared with other such programs, Tinkercad inherits a particularly intuitive approach of modeling three-dimensional (3D) objects directly, providing easy access to such software for first-time users, such as elementary school students. As several research projects have already shown (Dilling & Vogler, 2021;Dilling & Witzke, 2020a, b;Gibson et al, 2014;Pielsticker, 2021;Pielsticker & Witzke, 2022;Ng, 2017;, this program affords students of all ages a good start in 3D printing technology.…”

“…Another recent case study by Dilling and Vogler (2021) provides insight into the possibilities of fostering spatial ability through such software in secondary school. In the study by Ng (2017), the CAD software and 3D printing are used for teaching about the volume of solids in junior secondary mathematics classrooms.…”

Tinkercad Circuits Platform-Based Learning Experiences of Gifted Students in the Emergency Distance Education Process

“…Compared to other programs of this type, Tinkercad includes a particularly intuitive approach to directly modeling three-dimensional (3D) objects and provides easy access to such software for first-time users such as primary school students. As several research projects have already shown, this program provides students of all ages with a good start in 3D printing technology (Dilling & Vogler, 2021; Ng et al, 2018; Pielsticker, 2021).…”

Visual Discrimination: Spatial Reasoning Activity for Enhancing Children’s Spatial Skills

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