INTERACTIVE TOOLKIT
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application.
AutoCAD is also available as mobile and web apps.
Maturity Rate* (1994)
The indicator is based on the lifetime of the tool. The older it is, the more mature it is, more star it has.
Difficulty in the start time lessons
How easy/difficult it is to use it the first time.
Online / Downloadable
- Strenght: AutoCAD is used in industry, by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, city planners and other professionals.
- Weakness: It requires a powerful computer and huge knowledge about Autodesk ecosystem.
- Skills: Digital Skills; Methodological Skill; Modeling Skill.
- Pedagogical approach: Classroom response system; Collaborative scenarios.
- Mode: Blended; Face to Face; Online; Hybrid; Outdoor; Hyflex.
- Timing: 60’-90’; 90’-120’; >120’
- Group size: 1-10; 11-15; 16-30; 31-80; 80+
- Teaching and learning: Assessment and creation of a customized workspace.
- Empowering learners: Design and annotate 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects. Automate tasks such as comparing drawings, counting objects, adding blocks, creating schedules, and more.
- Devices available: Pc, touchscreen devices, smartphone, tablet.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.
Before AutoCAD was introduced, most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal.
AutoCAD is also available as mobile and web apps.
CAD GRAPHICS DEVELOPMENT
Pedagogical background
A course could be developed in the VLE with its own visual identity, aiming a clear interface, easy to understand, with a different design.
A potential course could be divided into several stages, so that the subject proposed in each of them would be discussed, in a structured way.
The students would find three different learning proposals:
- Explanation texts with illustrations by PDF files to make the access easier.
- Practical activities to be developed using AutoCAD software (a student version is available for free download). In all activities differentiated exercises are proposed, aiming to challenge the user to experience new situations.
- Solutions of proposed activities, in video format, generated from AutoCAD screenshots.
Assessment
After ending each learning proposal task, students had to answer a quiz to verify the construction of knowledge.
Use cases/examples of usage: (tutorial)
Strenght: AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also the base for:
- products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields;
- creating products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D;
- third-party AutoCAD-based application.
There are a large number of AutoCAD plugins (add-on applications) available on the application store Autodesk Exchange Apps.
Weakness: Complex software ecosystem.
People opinion about the tool: https://www.getapp.com/industries-software/a/autocad/reviews
Similar Tool: Top 10 Alternatives to AutoCAD (SketchUp, MicroStation, ActCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Archicad, BricsCAD, Vectorworks Architect and DraftSight).
Technical and operational requirements: Support and learning
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