Exploring perceptions and attitudes towards teaching and learning manual technical drawing in a digital age

• Published in: International journal of technology and design education 2008-03, Vol.18 (2), p.167-188
• Main Author: McLaren, Susan Valerie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Achievement; CAD; Comparative Analysis; Computer aided design; Computer Assisted Design; Computer Uses in Education; Conventional Instruction; Curricula; Drafting; Education; Educational Technology; Foreign Countries; Interviews; Learning and Instruction; Original Paper; Problem Solving; Questionnaires; Science Education; Scotland; Self Control; Structured Interviews; Student Attitudes; Student Teacher Attitudes; Student Teachers; Studies; Surveys; Talent; Teacher Attitudes; Technology Education; Transfer of Training; Values; Visualization
• ISSN: 0957-7572; 1573-1804
• DOI: 10.1007/s10798-006-9020-2

This paper examines the place of manual technical drawing in the 21st century by discussing the perceived value and relevance of teaching school students how to draw using traditional instruments, in a world of computer aided drafting (CAD). Views were obtained through an e-survey, questionnaires and structured interviews. The sample groups represent professional CAD users (e.g., engineers, architects); university lecturers; Technology Education teachers and student teachers; and school students taking Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) Graphic Communication courses. An analysis of these personal views and attitudes indicates some common values between the various groups canvassed of what instruction in traditional manual technical drafting contributes towards learning. Themes emerge such as problem solving, visualisation, accuracy, co-ordination, use of standard conventions, personal discipline and artistry. In contrast to the assumptions of Prensky’s thesis [(2001a) Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon 9, 5. NCB University Press Retrieved Oct 2006 from http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf ; (2001b) Digital natives digital immigrants, Part 2: Do they really think differently? On the Horizon 9, 6. NCB University Press retrieved Oct 2006 from http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part2.pdf ] of digital natives, the study reported in this paper indicates that the school students apparently appreciate the experience of traditional drafting. In conclusion, the paper illustrates the perceived value of such learning in terms of transferable skills, personal achievement and enjoyment.