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Course Delivery Methods DESN 101 AutoCAD Computer-Aided Drafting at MiraCosta College is offered online. Optional on-campus lab sessions will be available during the week for students who prefer in-person assistance or need access to computers with AutoCAD software. All course activities (lectures, demonstrations, projects, assignments, tests, etc.) are delivered online. The instructor and students don't need to meet face to face, they communicate through the Discussion Board and other tools in the Canvas course management web site.
The
course is also offered in traditional and hybrid delivery methods. The
traditional, or on ground, course format meets at a specific time, in a
specific place, with an instructor and students; the majority of course
activities (lectures, demonstrations, assignments, tests, etc.) are delivered
in the classroom. The hybrid course format is a combination of the
traditional and online methods. Students spend part of their time in a
classroom with instructor-led activities and part of their time on or off
campus completing tutorials, projects, and other online content. The
student learning outcomes for all three course delivery methods are the same.
Canvas Course Management System
Students enrolled in the course will have access to the course web site in Canvas. Because the entire course is managed using Canvas, it is important that students log on to Canvas and familiarize themselves with the site before the course officially begins. Students must successfully log on to the course site in Canvas on or before the first day of the semester. Information about Canvas, including how to log on, is given at the following link: https://miracosta.edu/instructure.com/ Students
who have trouble logging on to Canvas should contact the Student Help Desk at
the following link: http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/studenthelp/index.html
The Student Help Desk offers assistance through phone, email, and online. Note: the instructor cannot assist you in logging on to Canvas. You must contact the Student Help Desk directly.
Students who have enrolled in the class will be able to download free Autodesk design products, including AutoCAD. Information in the Canvas course site will show students how they can download this free software for free. Yes, students enrolled in the class can download the AutoCAD software for free!
Course Registration Information Registration for the course is handled through the Admissions and Records office. The following link has information about applying and registering for college credit courses:
http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/applyenroll/newstudents.html
If I sign-up for the on-line course can I still come to on-ground lab sessions?
You may
come to on-ground sessions if the instructor approves. Do I have to be signed on at the same time the actual class is taking place on campus or can I do it on my own time?
The online classes is asynchronous, meaning it is NOT a broadcast occurring at the same time as another course. You do NOT have to be "signed on" at a specific time. The online class has materials that can be accessed 24/7 through the internet. However, the course does have a specific schedule with deadlines for drawing assignments, quizzes, projects, etc. As long as you meet the deadlines you can do the work whenever you like.
What is the online class curriculum?
There is no difference in the content between the online class and the on-ground class; the difference is in the delivery method. The curriculum includes demonstration videos, discussions, slide presentations, drawing assignments, quizzes, and a final project. Everything is available on-line through Canvas.
Is the online class easier than a traditional on-ground class?
No, online classes require the same amount of time, effort, and rigor as traditional classes. Students in online classes must be disciplined, self-motivated, organized, and able to work on the computer and read for long periods of time. The time commitment for online courses is equivalent to that of traditional courses.
How hard is this class for a beginner?
This is
an introductory class that can be successfully completed by students with no
previous experience. Students who have taken related courses, worked in
the field, or have strong computer skills will find this course to
be easier than students without these experiences and skills.
How much is the class?
The tuition is $46 dollars per unit for all classes, including online courses. This is a 4 unit class so the tuition is $184. For first time students the course might be free – contact Admissions and Records for more information.
No. You can use AutoCAD at MiraCosta College or any other place you know of that has access to the software. If you want to complete the course from your home you will need the AutoCAD software on your home computer. AutoCAD is available as a FREE download to all students enrolled in the class.
Can I use AutoCAD at MiraCosta? Who will be there to help me?
Yes. The Maker Lab is available to students and has AutoCAD installed on all the computers. The Maker Lab is open 6 days a week during the academic year and is staffed by lab assistants who are available to help you. The Lab Assistants are knowledgeable in AutoCAD and can assist you with your questions about AutoCAD and the drawing assignments. A listing of the Maker Lab hours is available in Canvas.
What software is necessary to work at home? How can I get it?
You need to have access to the internet and AutoCAD. The AutoCAD software is available for FREE to all students enrolled in the class. See the AutoCAD Software Information section above for more information.
Can I use a different version of AutoCAD and/or the text? What version should I purchase?
The course and course text are based on newer versions AutoCAD. You may use an older version of the software and text if you like. The differences in the versions may be a little frustrating, but will not stop you from learning the material and successfully completing the course. Ultimately the decision of which version to use is up to the individual student, as each student has different resources and future needs. Past students have competed the course successfully with various versions of AutoCAD software and text.
Any newer
version of the text (within the last 3 years) will work for the class.
The text for the class costs around $90 new and less used. It is
available through the college bookstore or other e/retailers such as Amazon.
Hardcopy and digital versions of the text are available.
What is the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT? Can I use AutoCAD LT for the course?
AutoCAD
"LT" is a light version of the full AutoCAD software. AutoCAD LT is
considerably cheaper, but it does not have all the tools contained in the
full AutoCAD version, particularly the 3D tools. The full AutoCAD
version is recommended as it works more seamlessly with the text and course
materials. What about AutoCAD for Mac? Can I use AutoCAD for Mac for this class?
AutoCAD for Mac is also available as a free download. The majority of the commands are in both versions, but the Mac user interface is different than the PC. Many students have successfully completed the course with a Mac, but they must work harder and figure some things out on their own. The textbook and course materials are based on the PC version of AutoCAD, not the Mac version, therefore the PC version of AutoCAD is recommended.
Instructor Contact Information Paul Clarke
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