Effectiveness of applying 2D static depictions and 3D animations to orthographic views learning in graphical course

This study provides experiment results as an educational reference for instructors to help student obtain a better way to learn orthographic views in graphical course. A visual experiment was held to explore the comprehensive differences between 2D static and 3D animation object features; the goal was to reduce the possible misunderstanding factors in the learning process. This empirical study provided one hundred and twenty Taiwanese freshmen four types of visualization, which includes two 2D static depictions (2DT, 2DR), and two 3D animations (3DT, 3DR), to meet five surface styles on orthographic views. The responses to views ability test and interviews illustrated that applying 3D animations shows better performance in understanding the appearances and features of objects constructed by oblique and double-curved surfaces. The application of 3D animations results also demonstrates a better visual comprehension for students, especially when objects are constructed by the complicated features.

► The comprehension of the object features is affected by the types of surface.
► Applying 3D animation shows better performance than applying 2D static depiction.
► 2D and 3D animations are well engaged to the simple surfaces in learning strategy.
► Regardless of gender, these abilities of orthographic views are shown to be equal.
► 3DR with animation (65%) was the most popular choice in this study.