Qubism 3D Modeling and Geogebra: suitable softwares to promote 3D visualization in the topics of ortogonal projections and cylinder sections

Abstract

In General Secondary Education in Mozambique, the use of technological resources for learning Technical Drawing and Descriptive Geometry is still rare. The aim of this research is to see if Qubism 3D Modeling and GeoGebra software simulations, in the subjects of Orthogonal Projection and Section of Cylinders, contribute to improving students 3D spatial visualization, considering students previous difficulties in this type of skill. For the study of Orthogonal Projections, we adapted Qubism 3D Modeling to help clarify the representations of orthogonal views. For the study of cylinder sections, we used the dynamic geometry software GeoGebra, as it facilitates the perception of the shape of the figure resulting from the section. This is a quasi-experimental study, following a qualitative approach, conducted in a school in southern Mozambique. The techniques employed included observation, note-taking and photographic records, and the instruments used were satisfaction questionnaires. Fifty students took part, 25 of whom tried out the Qubism 3D Modeling software and the rest used the GeoGebra software. These students solved practical exercises in Technical Drawing and Descriptive Geometry during the didactic intervention. The analysis of the results suggests that the students developed spatial visualization skills, and the data also indicates that the software applied promoted significant learning, making it possible to verify the learning resulting from the computer simulations. From the research already carried out, there are some curiosities and perceptions that can serve as a bridge for further research into the applicability of technology in the study of various subjects in Technical Drawing and Descriptive Geometry.

Keywords:
Computer simulations; Qubism 3d modeling; GeoGebra dynamic geometry software; Orthogonal projections; Cylinder sections