WORKSHOP: Spatial Vis™: A sketching app with automatic grading to teach spatial visualization skills to introductory engineering students.
- Conference
- Location
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Corvallis, Oregon
- Publication Date
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March 20, 2019
- Start Date
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March 20, 2019
- End Date
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March 22, 2019
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--31903
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/31903
Paper Authors
Lelli Van Den Einde University of California, San Diego
Van Den Einde is a Teaching Professor in Structural Engineering at UC San Diego and President of eGrove Education, Inc. She incorporates education innovations into courses (Peer Instruction, Project-based learning), prepares next generation faculty, advises student organizations, hears cases of academic misconduct, is responsible for ABET, and is committed to fostering a supportive environment for diverse students. Her research focuses on engagement strategies for large classrooms and developing K-16 curriculum in earthquake engineering and spatial visualization.
Nathan Delson eGrove Education
Nathan Delson’s interests include mechatronics, biomedical devices, human-machine interfaces, and engineering education. He isCo-founder and Past President of Coactive Drive Corp., which develops novel actuators and control methods for use in force feedback human interfaces. Medical device projects include an instrumented mannequin and laryngoscope for expert skill acquisition and airway intubation training. He received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, San Diego, and then went on to get a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1994. He was a lecturer and Director of the Design Studio at Yale University for four years, and then returned to his alma matter, UC, San Diego, in 1999. He is now a tenured lecturer and Director of the Design Center in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He teaches hands-on design courses, including an introductory design class, a mechatronics class, and a capstone design class. His interests in design education include increasing student motivation, teamwork, and integration of theory into design projects.
Elizabeth Rose Cowan eGrove Education
Elizabeth Cowan is a User Experience Researcher and Designer for eGrove Education, Inc., which develops Spatial Visualization Training software. Her degree is in Cognitive Science and Human-Computer Interaction from the University of California San Diego.
Abstract
Objectives: Spatial visualization (SV) refers to the ability to manipulate geometric shapes in one’s mind and is important in many STEM fields. Studies have shown that SV skills are learnable, and SV training can increase GPAs and graduate rates in engineering. Additionally, sketching has been shown to be an important part of increasing 3D visualization skills, which is key for creativity and team communication. However, few engineering curricula include SV training, and adding new content to an already full program can be difficult. The Spatial Vis™ App, developed by eGrove Education, was designed with the potential to teach SV training outside of scheduled class time. It allows for freehand sketches of isometric and orthographic assignments to be graded automatically and for hints to be provided when needed. The app has been tested in a number of trials at universities across the country and has been shown to be an engaging and effective tool in improving SV skills. The app is currently available on Android and Apple smartphones and tablets, as well as advanced touchscreen Chromebooks. Features of the app include automatic grading, personalized hints for students when stuck, teacher data for tracking student progress, gradual increase in difficulty of assignments, a gamification start system to encourage persistence, and several test questions the end of each lesson where the Hint and Peek questions have been disabled. Results from trials using the technology in a number of university classroom settings, which have demonstrated the efficacy of the app based on a pre- and post- standardized spatial visualization test, will be discussed. Targeted audience: First year engineering or engineering graphics college or community college instructors; K-12 pre-engineering teachers and administrators.
Activities Planned: This workshop will provide an overview of the benefits and best practices of using the Spatial Vis app in your classroom. Participants will be given a license to the app to use on their own smartphone devices to engage in interactive spatial visualization (SV) activities.
Learning Outcomes: Instructors will learn 1) spatial visualization skills such as 2D rotations, 3D isometric views, and 2D orthographic projections; 2) how to use the app including the algorithm that automatically grades students’ sketches and provides guidance when requested; and 3) best practices for how to implement the SV training in their curriculum. You won’t want to miss this interactive workshop! Approximate length: 2 hours
Required supplies: Android or Apple touchscreen device such as a smartphone or tablet.
Van Den Einde, L., & Delson, N., & Cowan, E. R. (2019, March), WORKSHOP: Spatial Vis™: A sketching app with automatic grading to teach spatial visualization skills to introductory engineering students. Paper presented at 2019 ASEE PNW Section Conference, Corvallis, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--31903
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