Comparing Different Teaching Models In A First Year Computer Aided Design Course

All engineering students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are required to take a onecredit course in solid modeling. This course, Engineering Graphics and Computer Aided Design (EG&CAD) teaches the skills of using a solid modeling system to create parts, small assemblies, and documentation. More importantly, EG&CAD also emphasizes the use of vectors in creating solid models and thereby provides students reinforcement of their linear algebra knowledge. The students normally take EG&CAD during their first year and then have the opportunity to use solid modeling in their sophomore and senior design projects as well as some special topic electives. In addition, several other courses are now using solid models as a way to demonstrate fundamental principles 2 . With an increasing dependence on solid modeling skills required, it is imperative that the course content in EG&CAD be effectively delivered and evaluated.