The ability to visualize and manipulate graphical information is critical for the successful completion of complex geometric problems and design communication activities in Technology education. In this initial graphics module the student teacher will set out on their journey of professional skill and knowledge development in the area of graphics with specific development in the areas of spatial visualization skills, sketching and digital communication using CAD. These skills will be developed through specially designed activities referenced by empirical research that address the contemporary needs of Technology education. Activities will help develop the abilities to both physically and mentally manipulate geometry. Perception based fundamental freehand drawing skills will be developed with specific focus on scale, proportion and relationships. Activities will also include the exploration and communication of geometries through a variety of projection systems using CAD, sketching and manual drafting. Advantages and limitations of each method of representation will be examined. Through the spatial development and freehand drawing activities it is expected that students will begin to develop graphical libraries of geometric information in long term memory which can be retrieved and manipulated in subsequent modules. An introduction to contemporary research will provide students with an insight into the theoretical underpinnings associated with spatial visualization, cognitive architecture and freehand sketching.

Spatial visualisation, Graphical communication, Introduction to sensory systems within Cognitive Architecture, Interpretation of data, Freehand drawing (representation of two and three dimensional geometry), Shadow and shade, Scale, Proportion, Relationships between geometries, Line types, Planes of reference, Orthographic projection -1st and 3rd angle, Auxiliary projections, Sectional views, Exploded views, Pictorial representation: Oblique, planometric, Isometric, Isometric Scale, Simple perspective (one and two point). Standards and Conventions for graphical representation, symbols and hatching, size description, dimensioning principles and practices, basic working drawings.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Develop robust spatial visualization skills through specific developmental activities. Examine the cognitive principles associated with freehand sketching/drawing and digital communication. Demonstrate an openness to exploring new and emerging technologies and their educational application. Describe literacy and numeracy, as they relate to curriculum requirements. Explore and appreciate cross-curricular links and themes and how these are related to life experiences. Examine and appreciate important issues related to cyber-ethics including issues of privacy, information security, copyright and on-line safety and understand the complex interplay between technology and society. 

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate an appreciation for the importance of spatial visualization skills and visual communication across multiple disciplines. Demonstrate an appreciation for the value of developing visual and graphical literacy in the context of holistic development. Demonstrate an appreciation for new and emerging technologies in the area of graphical communication. 

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Externalise observed 2D and 3D graphical information through freehand drawing/sketching activities focusing on scale, proportionality and relationships between geometries with a specific focus on projection systems. Communicate measured geometries and information using digital technologies (CAD and others) and manually drafting with a focus on standards and conventions. 

The primary focus of this module will be the development of spatial visualization and freehand drawing skills through specific developmental activities. The lab environment will be visually stimulating with a range of physical artefacts and media (including CAD) made available to students in scaffolding the development of spatial skills. Students will build a portfolio of work including, freehand drawings and physical models which will evidence the development of graphical libraries and an understanding of projection systems. The lectures will develop students' knowledge and understanding of the theories underpinning spatial visualization skills and graphical communication skills in addition to challenging students understanding and appreciation of fundamental graphical principles. The module will be assessed through both summative and formative methods. A portfolio will be utilised to demonstrate the development of spatial skills and the understanding of projection systems and associated graphical principles. A terminal examination will assess the knowledge and understanding of the key principles that are central to the content of the module.