Online AutoCAD Class

DRAF 101: Beginning AutoCAD

Summer 2008

Overview of the online Delivery Method

DRAF 101, Beginning AutoCAD, is being offered online this summer. Optional on-campus lab sessions will be available during the week for students who want in person assistance or need access to computers with AutoCAD software. All Course activities - lectures, demonstrations, projects, assignments, tests, etc – are delivered online. Students and the instructor don’t need to meet face to face, rather they communicate through the discussion board and other tools in the Blackboard course management web site.

Blackboard Course Management System

The day after students enroll in the course, they will have access to the course web site in Blackboard. Because the entire course is managed using Blackboard, it is important that students log on to Blackboard and familiarize themselves with the site before the course officially begins. Students must successfully log on to the course site in Blackboard on or before the first day of the summer session, Monday, June 4, 2007. Information about Blackboard, including how to log on, is given at the following link:

https://blackboard.miracosta.edu/

Students who have trouble logging on to Blackboard should contact the Student Help Desk at the following link:

http://www.miracosta.edu/Apps/StudentHelp/

The student help desk offers assistance through online, email, and phone assistance. Note: the instructor cannot assist you in logging on to Blackboard. You must contact the Student Help Desk.

Questions & Answers

If I sign-up for the on-line course can I still come to on-ground lab sessions?

Yes, you may come to as many of the on-ground sessions as you like.

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?

You do NOT have to be "signed on" at a specific time. The online class is asynchronous, meaning it is NOT a broadcast occurring at the same time as another course. The online class has materials that can be accessed 24/7 through the internet. This does not mean there is no schedule and you can take the course whenever you would like. The course has a specific schedule with deadlines for drawing assignments, quizzes, projects, etc. As long as you meet the deadlines you can do the work whatever time you like.

What is the online class curriculum?

The online curriculum is almost identical to that off an on-ground beginning CAD course. The delivery method (online) is different, the course content is not. The curriculum delivery methods include demonstration videos, discussion boards, slide presentations, drawing problem, quizzes, and performance exams. Everything will be available on-line.

Is the online class easier than a traditional on-ground class?

No, online classes are equally rigorous and possible more difficult than 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 much are the classes and books?

The cost is $20 dollar per unit for all classes, including online courses. This is a 4 unit class so it would would cost $80. The text for the class costs around $60 new and less used. It is available through the college bookstore or other e/retailers such as Amazon. The book for all classes is Applying AutoCAD 2007, by Terry T. Wohlers, Glencoe/McGraw Hill, ISBN 0-07-877163-3.

Do I have to purchase the AutoCAD software?

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.

When can I use the CAD lab at MiraCosta? Who will be there to help me?

You may come to the instructor supported lab sessions and open lab hours. During the open lab hours an instructor or lab assistant will be available to help you. A listing of when the CAD lab is open who is there to help you is given in the "CAD Lab Hours" section below.

What software is necessary to work at home? Where can I buy it?

You need to have access to the internet, MS Windows, a browser (i.e.. Internet Explorer), and AutoCAD. A reasonably priced student version of AutoCAD is available for purchase from a number of resellers. For information about purchasing the AutoCAD software see the 'AutoCAD Software Information' section below.

Should I purchase AutoCAD 2009?

We will be using AutoCAD 2007 and/or 2008 for the class. These two versions of AutoCAD are almost identical and both are available in the CAD Lab on campus. AutoCAD 2009 just came out and a student version is available for purchase. At this point I DO NOT recommend purchasing AutoCAD 2009 because the ribbon style toolbar/pull down menus may be confusing to first time AutoCAD users. I personally like to wait until after the first patch comes out before using a new version of software.

Can I use a different version of AutoCAD and/or an older version of the text?

The course and course text are currently based on AutoCAD 2007 software. You may use a different version of the software and text, but there are differences. The differences in the different versions may be a frustration to you as you are taking the course. Ultimately the decision of which version to use is up to the individual student and their respective needs.

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. You can use either version for this class, though the full AutoCAD version works more seamlessly with the text and course materials.

CAD Lab Hours*
(OC 4530)

TBD

Computers with AutoCAD 2007 and 2008 will also be made available at other MiraCosta locations. The availability of AutoCAD software at MiraCosta will be sufficient for a student to complete the entire course using college workstations. The course management web site (Blackboard) will provide a complete list of AutoCAD availability at the college.

*tentative