The impact of Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) on school-based design work

This paper reports the findings of a national survey distributed to Heads of Design and Technology departments, with the aim of identifying the level of CAD capability that currently exists, and the nature of its implementation, within UK schools. It draws on teacher perceptions and conclusions from the study to identify further research that might be undertaken to help clarify the impact CAD/CAM has had on the activity of ‘designing’ within an educational context. The role and impact that CAD may have on other aspects of Design and Technology education is described and provides for a more informed discussion on the students’ learning experience, particularly where this might be promoted by CAD.