A study of the influence of technical attributes of beginner CAD users on their performance

In this work, we aim to answer the question: what does it take to create a competent CAD user? Certainly, the answer involves technical factors that provide the ability to learn as well as personal attributes and attitude. This paper starts with a description of the progress of a group of trainees as they undergo a training program in solid CAD (Pro/Engineer). Initially, the technical attributes of 44 CAD trainees (all mechanical engineering seniors), in a university setting, are uncovered. This is accomplished via a written questionnaire that queries the trainees about their background in CAD-related topics such as math foundation, computer science, and mechanical engineering background. A methodology is established that addresses the framework that may be described using the following process: (1)Construct a questionnaire by using focused, CAD specific written questions to reveal the trainees’ technical attributes.(2)Assess the development of CAD skills as training progresses.(3)Establish a correlation between the answers of the questionnaire and the performance measures of CAD skill development in order to determine the relevance of individual questions.(4)Analyze the correlation results to determine the degree by which the trainees’ technical attributes influence CAD competence development. This work is envisaged to pave the way for complementary work that investigates the effects of the trainees’ personality attributes (e.g., motivation/attitude and perception/imagination) and learning styles on CAD competence building.