Development of Cognitive Skills in Engineering
Every day, we face a number of complex issues which requires weighing of evidence and coming to conclusions based on the information acquired. Development of cognitive skills encompasses suspending one’s principles to explore different subjects from a blank-slate point of view. Engineering has many concepts and they include; hands-on project with electrical and electronic devices, mathematical and computing models. Through these studies, there is a great development of cognitive skill used in problem solving. A concept that has made me a creative thinker during my part-time engineering classes is computer-aided technology. Computer-aided technology in drawing helps in designing something from scratch by converting hand-drawn sketches to digital versions of a model, building or any other structure. Moreover, the technology creates a product, analyses and documents the design process. The use of research books, journal, articles and other credible sources will be used in elaborating the concept of computer-aided drawing. The basis of the discussion below is on how computer-aided drawing and design has evolved in the industry and more importantly, how it has impacted on my cognitive and critical thinking skills.
Computer Aided Drawing and Its Benefits
Computer aided drawing is basically a created project from an idea by using computer technology or software to assist with accurate drawing. The introduction of computer aided design software has made work efficient through; increased productivity of the designer, better design quality and improved communication through documentation. Computer aided model is used in mechanical design, electrical design and other applications in comparison with paper drawing which was slower and inefficient to operate with.
Brief History of the Concept
Patrick Hanratty and Ivan Sutherland set the stage for computer aided Drawing in the 1950s. In 1960, they developed a company which was later followed by other corporations. This was on a 2Dimensional system of drawing which faded and 3Dimensional drawing invented ten years later, this was in 1970 (Cohn 1). In 1980’s, commercial CAD systems revealed in aerospace, automotive and other industries. Three years later, Autodesk was released to form the AutoCAD from the IBM PC which was at its best for some years. It was followed by pro/ENGINEER assembly based on solid geometry. Improvement in PCs made 3D workable in 1990’s. Desktop engineering was published in 1995 and solid works were released. Afterwards, the decade saw four companies formed from all the rest that is Autodesk, Dassault Systems, PTC and Siemens PLM with their small scale developers (Merrill 67). The modern CAD era has not changed much. It has only been updated to camouflage with the upcoming applications and imminent ideas made to projects.
How Computer Aided Drawing Enhances Cognitive Skills
My attitude/opinion towards computer aided drawing is that it develops high order critical thinking. The effectiveness of a software cannot be compared to paper and pencil. Computer-aided architecture enhances the brain’s ability to comprehend certain complex issues in drawing and it links the brain’s informality to semi-formality of structured mapping. Besides, the drawings which were formerly constructed on paper were static objects that could be modified and if one has to modify, it took a considerable amount of time and energy (Chen 24). The use of software in drawing is less tedious and does not require specialist printing. Moreover, the technique has improved creativity through integrated and highly organized methods of presentation of information (Merrill 89). In addition, computer-aided model enables one to refer to designs done using a foreign language and corroborates findings from other studies.
CAD in Designing and its Impact
Through CAD technology it is possible to design structures from an idea. The technology has helped me design tools and also in the structuring of all kinds of constructions including residential as well as industrial and commercial layouts. The idea is also applicable in creating conceptual designs and blueprints in manufacturing. This has significantly saved on cost because designing can be done in the designer’s desired and submitted online in case it is a contract (Merrill 35). Additionally, computer Aided Designs has made drawing easier and more marketable because advertising can be done through media, via websites and other sources. By applying the technology to increasingly complex projects, the concept has enabled me to manage several data designs.
Visualization and Spatial Reasoning with CAD
Using CAD, I have been able to simulate in 3D the movement of a part during a whole production process. The concept has enhanced my feed rates, angles as well as machine speed. It also identifies the loopholes in a certain design. Instead of using rulers, squares and compasses, CAD enables altering, erasing, redrawing and zooming. Since computer models are typically 3D, they can rotate on any axis and enable one to gain a fuller sense of the design suitable for the object. Notably, CADs cannot comprehend real-world concepts and thus it plays as aid and codifier of geometrical concepts. It is possible to visualize Computer Aided Designs and draw new ones from new ideas (Chang 4). This visualization is done by developing spatial picturing skill (Reffold 1). Computer Aided drawings displays help in understanding the different conventions and software. By studying the subject, one is able to improve their spatial reasoning and understand the balanced equilibriums and pre-formatted proportions, scales, dimensions, languages and written paths through which different and unique structures can be created. Using mathematical concepts in designing, one is able to accurately scale models of a site or building. Moreover, the subject has enabled my understanding of local, state and global building construction issues. For instance, in System on chip (SOC) designs of today, engineers typically begin with behavioral specification on what they want to build. This description and specification express the functionality of the design. The frameworks must be accompanied by practical issues like cost, performance, and size and energy dissipation. Such parameters can be made possible through computer-aided drawing (Chang 8).
Improvement in Cognitive Skills through CAD
According to Merrill, CAD has also improved my cognitive skills because it enhances creative ways of drafting and designing blueprints (24). One example is the use of 3D drawings to maximize productivity and also provide better products by extracting even the tiniest of errors. More importantly, CAD’s ability to comprehend documentation and communication is excellent as it allows an easier product management environment. Essentially, communication with other engineers is simpler due to the sharing properties available. The virtual open CAD provides a wealth of online resources and it allows incorporates ways of communicating with engineering professionals all over the world (Blumberg and Patricia 12). Therefore, one can easily contact experienced professionals for mentorship and help with projects. Not only does CAD improve one’s networks, but it also imparts knowledge that is paramount in creating new and improved designs.
Designing Structures and Problem Solving with CAD
To add on, computer aided drawing improves cognitive skills because one is able to design structures by basing them on improved performance. More so, the concept is essential in detecting a problem and creating an immediate remedy. For instance, building structures in humid areas require different types of installations compared to areas with high temperature. Also, when in the field or when making quotations on buildings, metallic nonconductive materials should be used in case there are high temperatures and plastic conduits are used where the temperatures are favorable (Merrill 9). This simple aspect of study makes it possible to design connections without fear of failure of the system.
Evaluation and Conceptual Learning with CAD
Evaluation is the answer to interactive communication between a computer and the architect during the design process. Evaluation makes it possible to verify thematic aspects of architecture. Evaluating non-quantifiable qualities is of importance to design a structure. CAD provides one with objective information that leads to deeper reflection of what should be done to improve a certain drawing. Moreover, continued use of CAD improves fluency in skills and provides immediate feedback (Blumberg and Patricia 17). The technology also provides motivational elements that substitute exercising and enhances creativity. Most of CAD have problem-solving capabilities for an array of complex issues in drawing. Lastly, it is ideal for conceptual learning because it has tutorials which enhance background knowledge about drawing and design.
Conclusion
To conclude, Computer Aided Design has greatly made a positive impact since it is easy to access and work with. It has enhanced critical thinking skills due to its highly interactive nature. Also, it is dynamic and can employ multiple ways of creating designs. Its ability to motivate learners and store their performance for future reference is imperative in enhancing cognitive skills. In the event of repetition in designing, experience is gained and this increases the efficiency of the designer’s work (Chen 77). Therefore, CADs have proved to be a valid concept for creativity. Principally, new ideas are formed and old ideas improvised.
Work cited
Blumberg, Fran, and Patricia Brooks. Cognitive Development in Digital Contexts. , 2017. Internet resource.
Chang, Kuang-Hua. Design Theory and Methods Using Cad/cae. Elsevier Science, 2014. Internet resource.
Chen, Xinghao, and Michael L. Bushnell. Efficient Branch and Bound Search with Application to Computer-Aided Design. Boston, MA: Springer US, 1996. Internet resource.
Merrill, Marriner D. Instructional Design Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publ, 1994. Print.
