3D Modeling for Competences Development of New Degrees Within the Field of Maritime

Abstract

This paper describes a pilot study involving a 3D modeling workshop as an educational innovation tool intended for development of spatial vision which is a competence that should be acquired according to curriculum of European space for higher education in the new bachelor’s degrees within the field of Maritime, Nautical and Marine Engineering. The study has been performed with students in Marine Engineering, Nautical Engineering and Maritime Transport and Engineering Radio-electronics degrees at the University of La Laguna (Spain) during the 2010-2011 academic year. Software chosen for this workshop was the free version of Google Sketchup 8. For measuring its influence on student’s spatial vision, MRT and DAT5-SR tests are used. After completing the workshop students fill a satisfaction survey. Format and structure of this workshop allow its implementation on virtual learning environments (virtual classroom).