CURRENT METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS TEACHING IN THE CONDITIONS OF DISTANCE LEARNING

Abstract

The article examines the ways the process of studying engineering and computer graphics optimisation in higher education establishments in the conditions of distance learning. The relevance of the problem is determined by the need to increase the efficiency of graphic competencies formation under the condition of a lower starter level of graphic training and a constant increase in students’ self-study. The special features of the subject «Engineering and Computer Graphics», the usage of different methodological approaches, teaching tools, and the diverse ways of visual presentation presenting have been revealed.
The objective of the work is to define and methodically substantiate the effective teaching techniques that ensure a high-level mastering of graphic competencies during distance learning of Engineering and Computer Graphics.
In the research process the following methods have been used: theoretical: analysis, synthesis, study, and generalization of teaching experience, modeling, and design of individual elements of the distance course learning; empirical: survey, testing, teaching experiment in order to check the effectiveness of the proposed distance learning tools in Engineering and Computer Graphics learning.
The scientific novelty is the identification and peculiarities disclosure of «Engineering and Computer Graphic Arts» course, which ought to be taken into account during the distance teaching methodology development. The subject successful study involves the theoretical material investigation (standards, rules for making drawings, various types of images formation, rules for technical details drawings), the developed spatial vision, the multiple spatial vision of basic geometric shapes and elements formation, the ability to make 3D models using modern automated design systems (using AutoCAD).
According to teaching experience, the main approaches to studying the subject have been described, and their advantages and disadvantages have been determined. Examples of effective usage of 3D modeling in the educational process have been given.
The general structure of the educational and methodological complex of the distance course «Engineering and Computer Graphics» has been reflected. The subject particularities, the possibilities of modern information technologies for creating the necessary content, and the visualization of educational material have been. The problem of information overloading the student and the importance of highlighting high-quality and necessary educational materials have also been raised. Special attention has been paid to the issue of interaction between the teacher and the student in the process of independent work. The development of spatial imagination, the formation of correct abstract ideas are possible only if the students’ cognitive development is directly controlled, corrected, and directed. It is also important timely to note and correct mistakes and inaccuracies, and to be able to ask questions and get an answer to them.
Conclusions. On the whole, it is possible to establish, that methodology of distance teaching of graphic subjects has been passing the stage of formation. Leading scientists undertook many profound investigations that have been successfully implemented in the educational process of high educational establishments. However, knowledge and skills, that are at the core of graphic competence, appear to be so original, that need specific, deep pedagogical research and the development of methodical techniques. The effectiveness of the balanced combination of traditional graphic training technologies and modern information technologies, training, and self-learning have been proven.
In the process of independent implementation of graphic tasks it is very important a permanent co-operation between a teacher and a student, an issue of sequence of the educational material methods presentation, a usage of pedagogical program means, and informative overload prevention.