Spatial Training using Digital Tablets

Abstract

The spatial skills are a core competency in the new engineering degrees belonging to the European Space for Higher Education. This work aims to find out the improvement of spatial abilities using a workshop held on digital tablets (iPad). For this purpose, the choice of a web-based spatial training course for mobile phones developed at University of Laguna for mobile phones was adapted for this research having in mind the dimensions of the digital tablet. The hypothesis is that expanding the size of the screen strengthens the spatial abilities of students also improving satisfaction rather than previous experiences. The workshop installed in a learning virtual environment (moodle) and has several difficulty levels. The pilot test for this material took place on agricultural engineering students during 2011-2012. Using the iPad given to every student, the workshop happened outside class hours. For measuring the spatial skills before and after the workshop, we used different technical drawing exercises used in the Spanish university admission exams over the last few years. Besides, students answered a questionnaire for assessing their opinion regarding course's format. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.