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aspexTabs 3D Design & Make |
aspexTabs Evaluation
Following is an evaluation by Becta using tabs V2 which has now been supersceded by aspexTabs
| Becta Evaluators Review. Curriculum Area: Maths. Design &
Technology. KS2/3/4 Adult |
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Tabs V2 (Now superceded by aspexTabs) is a simple and effective
package. It aims to fill the void in the curriculum for modelling nets.
You can make up large and complex three-dimensional models by developing
them from a series of simple geometric shapes. These can be viewed
from virtually any angle or distance and the results either saved to
disk or output to a pinter as a modelling net which can be folded and
assembled into a real world model.
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| Nets Nets are printed as line drawings and will print over
several pages if the image is too large. The software has a terrific
third-angle projection and wireframe printout facility. However the
software is still in need of some development, shapes cannot be joined
together and printed as a single net and this is the main limiting factor.
There is as yet no facility for importing images or drawing upon the net
before printing. it would seem a natural progression to include a range of
output devices including CAMM1 cutting equipment for a full CAD CAM
experience rather than cutting out the net with scissors. |
| Who is tabs for? The software is perfect for KS2,3 and 4. Progress is rapid
once the pupil has understood the relationship between the edit window and
the view window. There are only a few key words for a pupil to recognise
and the program makes few demands on reading. |
| Operation The user interface is comparively simple considering the
level of sophistication. The front end of tabs displays function buttons
for 8 primitive shapes. Once a shape has been chosen it can be scaled, coloured and grouped with other shapes. it is possible to go back and
edit a shape at a later stage.
Complex net designs can be generated within a matter of minutes. As the
flat views are developed, one can be reassured of its overall form by a
clever model view window. A 3D rendered tumble option allows the user to
view the solid object as it rotates majestically about its axis.
The screen layout is uncluttered and with every button serving a
purpose. It does not in any way intimidate the younger user but still
retains its advanced capabilities.
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Conclusion This software is addressing an important area for teachers who wish to
implement 3D net modelling into their curriculum. It is inspired software
which, as it stands , meets a real need in the classroom. In addition, it is
clear that there are further developments in hand which would make it
outstanding.
Evaluation by Becta using tabs V2. Current release
version is aspex-Tabs
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