Mission Statement.

Problem Statement

In a typical classroom setting of a freshman computer graphics 3D modeling and assembly course, the normal instruction does not fully benefit haptic learners, who prefer to learn virtual assembly tasks through tactile experiences.

Research Question

How effective is the utilization of haptics for kinesthetic learners in CGT 116 when confronted with an assembly task in CATIA V5 compared to students who are not kinesthetic learners?

Elevator Statement

For the practice of educators and the benefit of kinesthetic learners, it is more practical to have haptic experience when assembling products in a 3D environment. In a typical classroom setting of a freshman computer graphics 3D modeling and assembly course, the learning styles used are visual, auditory, and reading/writing. CGT 116 is a class that could benefit from the involvement of haptics to include the kinesthetic learning style.

This study of haptics intends to determine if kinesthetic learners actually benefit from hands-on experiences. This includes observation, analysis, and comparison of college students completing the assembly tasks. Before the study, a VARK exam will determine the type of learning style each student prefers. One group will be exposed to haptics assembly of a product, while the other group will have no exposure. Both groups will then assemble a product in CATIA V5, a 3D-modeling software package. The time it takes for a student to complete the assembly correctly in CATIA V5 will help determine how effective the use of haptics is in comparison of their respective individual learning styles. Unlike previous studies that have researched this issue, the object tested may have been too simple or familiar to correctly analyze the significance of the data gathered. By using a more complex mechanical object that has a small chance of familiarity, it is possible to produce results that are based on useful haptic experiences that were achieved within the realm of the study. The hypothesis is that it is beneficial for kinesthetic learners in CGT 116 to utilize haptics when modeling assemblies in 3D environments.