Web‐based learning in the computer‐aided design curriculum

Abstract

Abstract This study attempts to apply the principle of constructivism and virtual reality (VR) technologies to computer‐aided design (CAD) curriculum by integrating network, CAD and VR into a web‐based learning environment. Through VR technologies, it is expected that the traditional two‐dimensional (2D) computer graphics course can be expanded into a three‐dimensional (3D) real‐time simulation one. VR technologies provide a novel method to enhance user visualisation of complex three‐dimensional graphics and environments. Experience and environmental interaction allow users more readily to perceive the dimensional interrelations of graphics which are typically portrayed through static multiview or pictorial representations. A web‐based learning system (WebDeGrator) has been developed to simulate a computer graphics learning system for learning. Future developments of the proposed web‐based learning framework are also discussed.