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Main Menu Session 2438

Redesigning Engineering Graphics to Include CAD and Sketching Exercises Richard Jerz St. Ambrose University

Abstract

Computer-aided design (CAD) software is changing the way Engineering Graphics (EG) is taught. Many schools and professors question how best to prepare students for the manufacturing world. Several years ago, St. Ambrose University changed its approach to teaching EG. We removed drawing tables and introduced computer-aided design software as a major course component. In a one-semester course, both EG theory and CAD was taught. However, we learned that CAD was making many EG topics obsolete and that the course needed revision again.

These ideas were shared with engineering graphics professionals at the 2001 ASEE conference. It stimulated much discussion. One issue that seemed particularly disturbing was how to help EG students improve visualization skills. It was postulated that mastering CAD might not help, and that sketching should remain a major EG component.

The EG course at St. Ambrose University was redesigned again with ideas from ASEE2001. It now emphasizes sketching, drawing interpretation, and CAD. Two newly selected textbooks help students connect the topics. This paper reviews the progress teaching the course under the new format. We believe that product visualization, drawing interpretation, and CAD are effectively learned in the one-semester course.

I. Introduction

It has always been a belief that engineers should be able to communicate effectively. Since engineering graphics is the engineer’s language for communicating product ideas, our faculty never doubted the need for training in EG. St. Ambrose’s Industrial Engineering program has always included a one-semester course in engineering graphics - IE110.

The course has two objectives: 1) to have students understand how engineering designs are communicated visually in industry, and 2) to have students learn to use advanced modeling computer-aided design software. The first objective has existed since day one. The second objective was added four years ago based upon both industry and student demand.

I shared my ideas for teaching EG with other professionals at the 2001 ASEE conference1 . My hypothesis was that much of the traditional EG theory was becoming obsolete by the power and capability of modern CAD products. This hypothesis stimulated much discussion about what should be included in an EG course.

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Jerz, R. (2002, June), Teaching Engineering Graphics With Cad And Sketching Exercises Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10513