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Transfer of Learning Between Solid Modelers: An Investigation of Icon Recognition 1 Raymond Rutkowski, 2Gül E. Okudan and 1,2Madara Ogot 1 Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering / 2School of Engineering Design and Professional Programs The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

Abstract Selecting the right solid modeling software is a complex, multi-criteria decision making problem. There are many issues a decision-maker needs to take into account, such as ease of learning, educational materials built into the software, learning curve issues, performance of the software for different solid modeling functions, operations and utilities, and cost. Beyond selecting the right software, the decision-maker should also be concerned about (1) conceptual learning of the solid modeling topics while “the right software” is being used, and (2) transfer of conceptual learning between solid modelers. This is because a sound conceptual learning might increase the probability of learning another solid modeling software in less time.

Accordingly this paper investigates the impact of icon recognition as an aid to transfer conceptual learning between solid modelers. The investigation includes a review of the literature on icon design and usage as it relates to solid modeling, in addition to an experiment in which the icon recognition correctness and duration for over 20 operation icons were compared across two modelers. The results shed light into the impact of icon designs on the transfer of learning between solid modelers using the correct recognition counts as the transfer measure.

1.0 Introduction Initially solid modeling applications concentrated on replacing engineering drawings with unambiguous computer models to support automated engineering tasks. Nowadays, solid modeling is seen as an integral tool for product development and engineering because of its functionality as a computer-aid in design and documentation1. Therefore, due to its importance in engineering design practice, integrating a solid modeling software (solid modeler) to design teaching is necessary2. In industry, the trend in adopting solid modeling software is also apparent. A recent review of design software users’ survey showed that only 31% of the design practitioners are using 2D CAD systems. The rest are either only using 3D CAD (5%), implementing a hybrid usage of 2D/3D CAD systems (38%), or mainly using 2D CAD, but evaluating 3D CAD (26%)3.

However, beyond only including a solid modeler, instilling a conceptual understanding of solid modeling basics in students is paramount. This is because it is expected that what students learn in the classroom may not be the solid modeler their future employers use. Therefore, the transfer of learning from one solid modeling software to another has become a concern. This is also highlighted by the fact that there is an increased mobility of professionals among companies, and there are now many cost-effective modeling software packages available4. Due to these, Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright ©2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Okudan Kremer, G., & Ogot, M. (2005, June), Transfer Of Learning Between Solid Modelers: An Investigation On The Icon Recognition Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14637