Spatial Visualization By Realistic 3 D Views

Abstract

Spatial visualization skills are essential in many engineering and technology fields. These skills are especially important in hand sketching and computer-aided design (CAD) of engineering graphics, when it is necessary to visualize and represent three-dimensional (3D) objects and assemblies. Educators and researchers have developed various types of tests to assess students' abilities in spatial visualization tasks. Conventional visualization tests usually use axonometric drawings, mostly isometric projections, to represent 3D objects. However, isometric drawings are dimensionally distorted and lack many features present in a realistic view of 3D objects. They are also prone to drawing errors, which, when combined with the inherent distortions of isometric drawing, may lead to misjudgment of students' visualization abilities. In order to accurately assess students' visualization ability, realistic views are necessary in spatial visualization tests. To investigate the effects of 3D views, the author conducted a comparative study of a popular spatial visualization test given to the first-year graphics and CAD classes at a minority community college. The objects in the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test-Visualization by Rotations (PSVT-R) were recreated with 3D solid modeling CAD software to show more realistic views. The results from both the original test in isometric views and the same test with 3D solid model views are statistically analyzed. Also, a more detailed discussion is presented of the advantages of using solid modeling in spatial visualization tests, and the drawbacks of the conventional test using isometric drawings.

Uzamsal Becerilerin Geliştirilmesi İçin Üç Boyut İçerikli Etkileşimli Videoların Kullanılabilirliğine Yönelik Bir İnceleme

“…Bunun yanı sıra, bilgisayar ortamında uygulanan ve geometrik cisimlere yönelik geliştirilen uygulamaların öğrencilerin uzamsal becerilerini geliştirdiğini söyleyen çalışmalara da rastlamak mümkündür (Olkun, 2003b;Yue, 2008). Etkileşimli videoların hazırlanmasında ve uygulanmasında teknolojik becerilerin gerekliliği geliştiriciler ve kullanıcılar açısından sınırlılık oluşturabileceği katılımcılar tarafından vurgulanmıştır.…”

“…It also reports that actions such as rotating, reversing and dragging of objects can be done easily in computer environment (Olkun, 2003b). Yue (2008) also indicates that realistic computer-based three-dimensional views improve spatial thinking. One of the most important reasons for this is the lack of easy access to digital three-dimensional content and the lack of pedagogical foundations of the applications made for this purpose (Siiman, Mäeots and Pedaste, 2014).…”

“…Spatial ability is defined as the ability to move objects or components that are composed of one or more parts in three-dimensional space in mind or to visualize them in the mind (Turğut, 2007). Spatial thinking is seen as an important factor affecting academic achievement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Yue, 2008;Wai, Lubinski & Benbow, 2009). So, special emphasis is given to the development of such in Turkish mathematics curriculum with computer aided teaching method and the use of dynamic geometry softwares (Şimşek & Koru Yücekaya, 2014).…”

Teaching of mechanical engineering concepts through three-dimensional geometric modeling

“…7 Other tools for enhancing spatial visualization include visualization tests such as developments, rotations, and isometric views. 8 By using these spatial visualization tools along with manipulative and sketching activities, a statistically significant gain is observed among the students. 9 Accordingly, the methods for improvement of visualization skills can be integrated within the engineering curriculum through reported metrics.…”

Developing an Attitude Scale for Three-Dimensional Modeling and 3D Modeling Course: A Validity and Reliability Study

“…One of the innovative technologies of our time is computer-aided three-dimensional modeling technology. Today, with the effect of developments in computer hardware and software, computer-aided three-dimensional modeling technologies are seen and used in many areas (Yue, 2008). Such technologies are the most widely used in settings of the film-making, advertising, medicine, industry, engineering, architecture, computer games, and culture and education (O'Malley, 2015).…”