A Python-Based Automation Script to Mark Computer-Aided Design Assessments
The integration of automated tools in engineering education has the potential to improve student assessments, ensuring consistency and reducing instructor workload. This study introduces a Python-based automation tool designed to evaluate student Computer-Aided Design (CAD) submissions. The tool uti...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/3/1203 |
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| author | Gregory Tierney |
| author_facet | Gregory Tierney |
| author_sort | Gregory Tierney |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The integration of automated tools in engineering education has the potential to improve student assessments, ensuring consistency and reducing instructor workload. This study introduces a Python-based automation tool designed to evaluate student Computer-Aided Design (CAD) submissions. The tool utilises software API and Open Cascade library to calculate model parameters. These parameters are compared against expected values from a solution file and marks are assigned based on deviations relative to the solution file. As a use case, seventy-five Solid Edge CAD files were assessed for geometric properties such as volume, surface area, and centre of gravity location to evaluate inter- and intra-marker reliability. The results showed perfect agreement, with a Cohen kappa of 1.0 for both metrics. Furthermore, the automated tool reduced grading time by 89.7% compared to manual evaluation. The potential of automation in improving marking efficiency, consistency, and objectivity in engineering education has been shown, providing a foundation for further integration of software. The python-based automation script is openly available on GitHub. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3bad1b0b3fb046d2bdd129af1b610300 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-3bad1b0b3fb046d2bdd129af1b6103002025-08-20T03:12:34ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-01-01153120310.3390/app15031203A Python-Based Automation Script to Mark Computer-Aided Design AssessmentsGregory Tierney0School of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1ED, UKThe integration of automated tools in engineering education has the potential to improve student assessments, ensuring consistency and reducing instructor workload. This study introduces a Python-based automation tool designed to evaluate student Computer-Aided Design (CAD) submissions. The tool utilises software API and Open Cascade library to calculate model parameters. These parameters are compared against expected values from a solution file and marks are assigned based on deviations relative to the solution file. As a use case, seventy-five Solid Edge CAD files were assessed for geometric properties such as volume, surface area, and centre of gravity location to evaluate inter- and intra-marker reliability. The results showed perfect agreement, with a Cohen kappa of 1.0 for both metrics. Furthermore, the automated tool reduced grading time by 89.7% compared to manual evaluation. The potential of automation in improving marking efficiency, consistency, and objectivity in engineering education has been shown, providing a foundation for further integration of software. The python-based automation script is openly available on GitHub.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/3/1203CADSolid Edgeengineeringeducation |
| spellingShingle | Gregory Tierney A Python-Based Automation Script to Mark Computer-Aided Design Assessments Applied Sciences CAD Solid Edge engineering education |
| title | A Python-Based Automation Script to Mark Computer-Aided Design Assessments |
| title_full | A Python-Based Automation Script to Mark Computer-Aided Design Assessments |
| title_fullStr | A Python-Based Automation Script to Mark Computer-Aided Design Assessments |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Python-Based Automation Script to Mark Computer-Aided Design Assessments |
| title_short | A Python-Based Automation Script to Mark Computer-Aided Design Assessments |
| title_sort | python based automation script to mark computer aided design assessments |
| topic | CAD Solid Edge engineering education |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/3/1203 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT gregorytierney apythonbasedautomationscripttomarkcomputeraideddesignassessments AT gregorytierney pythonbasedautomationscripttomarkcomputeraideddesignassessments |