AutoCAD™ Basics (online)
Frequently-Asked Questions
What's covered in this course?
Check out the course syllabus for information about the online classroom and week-by-week descriptions of what you will be learning in this course.
How do I get the AutoCAD software that I need to use for the online course?
A fully-functional student version of AutoCAD 2010 is provided free of charge. The software is available for download from the online classroom after you register for and start the online course.
Is the student version of the AutoCAD software that I will receive with this course fully functional? Is there a time-limit on the use of this software?
The student version of the software is fully functional, but includes a watermark that limits the software to non-professional use. It is available to the student indefinitely for non-professional use.
For details, see:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/item?siteID=123112&id=17354855
Do I have to be online at given times to take this course?
You do NOT need to log into the online classroom on any specific dates/times. Lessons are released weekly, and assignments are usually due on Sunday nights, to give students time over the weekend to complete their assignments.
What are the system requirements for this course?
Run an automatic check of your system to see if it's ready to run your online course
Is there a course textbook or manual that I need to buy?
You will need to purchase the following text for the AutoCAD Basics course:
Learning AutoCAD 2010 - available online from wiley.com (Fall 2011 price is $83.99 USD for print version or you can download the electronic version for FREE.)
What prerequisites do I need in order to succeed in this course?
You need to have a good working knowledge of the MS® WIndows® operating system, as well as basic drafting skills.
There are a couple of ways that you can learn basic drafting skills, if you do not already have this prerequisite:
- Self-study using a textbook such as Learning Basic Drafting Using Pencil Sketches and AutoCAD; James M. Kirkpatrick; Prentice-Hall (available from online book retailers); or
- Take the online course in Basic Drafting Skills (a continuous intake course offered online over a 2-month period)
How does the online classroom work?
Students will receive their username and password, along with course access instructions, via email just prior to the course start date. The online classroom is not available to students until the course start date.
Students can log in at any time day or night to access the online materials and interact (via the online discussion forum) with their instructor and other students.
Can I familiarize myself with the online classroom before my course start date?
You can learn about the Moodle online classroom by walking through the free online learner orientation prior to your course start date. In your first week of class, you will also spend some time learning about the online classroom. The online classroom is not available to students until the course start date.
How much homework will I have?
The AutoCAD online course is fairly intensive. You can expect to spend approximately 6 hours (between online reading and homework) per week.
What do I receive when I finish this course?
You will receive a statement of course completion (along with your grade information - by regular post) when you complete this course.
What kind of work opportunities are there for those with drafting/AutoCAD skills?
Check out job posting forums such as www.monster.com or www.workopolis.ca and search for 'autocad' or 'drafting' to find job postings where these skill sets are recommended.
What will I be able to do with this course?
This course will give you a working knowledge of AutoCAD so that you can use the AutoCAD software in a workplace setting. You should have a working knowledge of basic drafting prior to starting the AutoCAD course. More information on Learning Outcomes is available from the course syllabus.