Graphisoft Helps Launch The CAD Academy

Sept. 28, 2010

Graphisoft™ and other design software providers have launched The CAD Academy, a new and innovative program that will help teach design and architecture education to a new generation of middle and high school students. The CAD Academy program bundles industry leading software with class curriculum, multimedia training and expert technical support, at up to 75 percent less cost than other design education packages.

Graphisoft™ and other design software providers have launched The CAD Academy, a new and innovative program that will help teach design and architecture education to a new generation of middle and high school students. The CAD Academy program bundles industry leading software with class curriculum, multimedia training and expert technical support, at up to 75 percent less cost than other design education packages.

The CAD Academy software bundle includes: Graphisoft ArchiCAD, a Building Information Model (BIM) software technology for 3D architectural modeling; SolidWorks 3D CAD software for mechanical engineering and product design; Google SketchUP Pro, one of simplest 3D design tools, with Podium photo-real rendering; Discovery Channel, multimedia content, including excerpts from the "Extreme Engineering" show; and A+CAD®, proprietary to The CAD Academy, provides a basic CAD package that uses the familar AutoCAD® interface, commands, applications, and compatibility "without the high cost."

The CAD Academy encourages students to explore technology related career paths through real-world projects.

Smart Technology Backed by Smart Curriculum

The CAD Academy software suite is bundled with comprehensive curriculum resources that are approved by the American Design Drafting Association. It is designed both for teachers inexperienced in the subject areas, as well as experienced instructors who have developed their own curriculum.

The bundle includes ArchiCAD Interactive Training Guides, which include pre-set ArchiCAD project files and narrated movie clips. Training guides included are:

  • The BIM Experience Kit
  • ArchiCAD 11 Basic Training
  • Advanced Content Creation
  • Collaboration Training

Other resources in the educational package include lesson plans, multimedia presentations, professional references, interactive training CDs, tests and other instructional aids.