Digital Design - the potential of Computer Aided Designing in design learning environments

摘要

Many, if not most, schools in England and Wales now include the use of 3-dimensional CAD modelling skills in their design and technology curriculum. The impact of the CAD in Schools programme has been significant, at least in terms of the large numbers of trained teachers and the improved quality of student output in the form of visual images and product realisation. There remains, however, the question of its impact on the quality of design, not just in terms of 'design output' but also in terms of 'design development' and 'design quality'. This keynote presentation is concerned with the need to develop a student's ability to design and the use of computer-based tools to effectively enhance that development. In this context it considers the potential of CAD activities as a part of design and technology work; the development of appropriate CAD modelling capability and implications for the nature of design and technology curricula.