Solving Spatial Vision Difficulties Related to the Instruction of Welded Joints by Using PDF-3D

In this work, exploratory quantitative research on the opinion of the students of a course on Geometry of Welded Joints, in an introductory welding course of secondary technical education curriculum, on the didactic use of PDF-3D in the development of the course is carried out. For this purpose, a survey designed by the authors was used, which the students answered once the study of the subject had been completed. As a result, it has been found that the valuations of the virtual tool PDF-3D are very high, mainly in relation to motivation and ease of use. The importance that students attach to the ease of solving the spatial comprehension difficulties inherent to welded joints -and the imperfections linked with them- positively influences the ratings of this educational technology. On the other hand, this study reveals that students prefer a mixed methodology in which the presence of virtual resources is greater than that of the master class. Finally, the results obtained suggest that, given the lack of knowledge on the part of teachers of the potential of PDF-3D in the educational field, it would be advisable to offer specific training on the didactic use of PDF-3D to technical education professors.