Increasing access, quality, and representation for CAD Modeling Education

Guest post by: Reza Ebadi, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Mechanical & Materials Engineering Department

While the demand for skilled CAD modelers continues to rise, the available learning resources often fall short in terms of accessibility, content alignment, and representation. Many videos are scattered across multiple platforms, some are paywalled or lack clear narration, and most fail to address the specific topics and learning objectives required for our CAD curriculum. Perhaps one of the most glaring issues that I have personally noticed is the lack of gender diversity and representation. Most CAD instructional videos feature male creators (personal observation), inadvertently reinforcing the perception of CAD as a male-dominated field. This limited representation can discourage and exclude women students from pursuing careers in this critical area.

Recognizing these challenges, I embarked on a mission to create a comprehensive library of CAD learning videos tailored to our educational needs. But more importantly, I sought to feature a talented woman engineering student as the instructor. I invited Alden Johnson, one of my exceptional students, to collaborate with me on this project. Using my existing videos as a reference, Alden recreated them with her unique perspective and expertise. The result is a polished, well-narrated series of instructional videos that not only aligns with our curriculum but also showcases a successful woman excelling in the field of CAD. Encouraged by her success, we have expanded the library to cover two different CAD software: one used in ES 1310 Introduction to CAD, and the other in ES 3323 Advanced CAD. This comprehensive resource ensures that our students have access to high-quality, relevant, and accessible learning materials, while simultaneously promoting inclusivity and challenging traditional gender norms within the field.

The potential impact of this initiative is profound. By featuring Alden as the instructor, these videos not only provide valuable technical knowledge but also serve as a powerful representation of women’s capabilities and accomplishments in CAD.