Course Information

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

*THE TEXTBOOK FOR THIS COURSE COMES WITH A 14-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION OF AUTOCAD 2008 *

Course Description:
Introduction to CAD is an introductory course in computer aided design. It will introduce you to use the computer as a tool to create basic 2D drawings. In this course, you will be using AutoCAD 2008, one of the most widely used computer aided design software programs. You will gain knowledge in basic concepts, terminology, and techniques for CAD applications.

Course Objectives:
The primary goal of this course is to provide the training you need in computer aided drafting software to produce technical drawings. You will gain a basic understanding of the operating system's user interface, learn to manage drawing files, setup a drawing, and use create and modify commands to construct the drawing. You will learn how to add text, dimensions, and plot or print your drawing.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand the operating system's user interface
  • Understand the CAD system's file management commands
  • Understand the units-of-measure used by the CAD system
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Cartesian coordinate system
  • Use standard predefined prototype or template files
  • Create, edit, and modify basic 2-D geometry
  • Understand AutoCAD's layering system
  • Perform geometric constructions with CAD
  • Annotate geometry
  • Add dimenisons
  • Apply hatch patterns
  • Plot CAD drawings
Prerequisites or Corequisite:
Basic Drafting Techniques is a prerequisite or corequisite, unless you are a practicing professional seeking the CAD Technician Certificate.
Course Topics:

The following is a list of topics that you will cover:

  • Getting Started- (30 hours)
  • Creating Layers- (34 hours)
  • Construct and Edit Geometry- (24 hours)
  • Annotating a Drawing- (12 hours)
  • Hatch Patterns- (12 hours)
  • Dimensioning the Drawing- (24 hours)
  • Geometric Drawings- (20 hours)
Specific Course Requirements:
  • Students must be motivated and self-directed with the ability to follow an objective-based timeline. 
  • Students should plan to devote 8-10 hours per week for this course, due to the amount of material to cover.
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course:  http://rodp.bkstr.com

*Note: The textbook for this course comes with a 14-month subscription of AutoCAD 2008, along with an exercise cd.

Supplementary Materials:
Additional web-based resources will be listed in the Course Links section.
Hardware Requirements:
Specific hardware requirements for AutoCAD® 2007 according to the Autodesk website:
  • Intel® Pentium® IV processor recommended
  • Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional or Home Edition (SP1 or SP2), Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (SP2), or Windows 2000 (SP3 or SP4)
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 750 MB free disk space for installation
  • 1024x768 VGA display with true color
  • Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0 (SP1 or higher)
The minimum requirements for some RODP courses can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.
Software Requirements:

**AutoCAD 2008 software accompanies the textbook to be used in this course.

*** You will also need a printer.

You will need MicroSoft® PowerPoint Viewer for viewing course materials which can be obtained FREE at the following site:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en

You must use a D2L-compatible Internet browser to access the course. For information on browser recommendations visit: http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.


Instructor Information
Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:

Written exams will be taken on-line. Exams are designed to reinforce key concepts from the material presented. Exams will be timed. Skill assessments in the form of CAD drawings will be submitted to the instructor for grading via the Dropbox.

Grading Procedure:
Grades will be based on satisfactory completion of deliverables, written exams, skill assessments, regular communication with the instructor, and class discussions.  All exams/skill assessments must be completed within the allocated time. Late delivery will result in the loss of one letter grade.
 
Your final grade will be calculated as follows:
  • Assignments - 40%
  • Exams/Skill Assessments - 50%
  • Participation - 10%
  • A score of 77% or better must be achieved to receive credit for this course.
Grading Scale:

A = 93 - 100
B = 85 - 92.9
C = 77 - 84.9

A score of 77 or better must be achieved to receive credit for this course.

Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:

Course modules will be presented in an asynchronous format. There are recommended due dates posted on the calendar for the completion of each module. Within each module you will find textbook reading assignments, tutorials, individual activities, and presentations.
Class Participation:

You are required to communicate with the instructor on a regular basis using D2L
e-mail and with your classmates using the Discussion board.

Students are required to post a paragraph introducing themself to the instructor and classmates the first week of this course. Include a few lines telling us about yourself such as what are you career goals, etc.

Students MUST email the instructor at the beginning of the course using the D2L email to notify the instructor they are in the system and have mastered this communication system.

You should visit the course site at least every other day to ensure that you are aware of instructor postings and announcements. Remember, participation counts as 10% of your grade.
Punctuality:
Students are permitted to work ahead of the timeline in this course. There are specific module completion dates posted on the calendar. Assignments are required to be turned in by these dates. All skill assessments must be completed within the specified time to receive full credit.
Course Ground Rules
The following are recommendations for students taking this class:
  • Learn how to navigate in D2L if you are not familiar with the system.
  • View the Course Calendar for exams and assignment deadlines.
  • Check the Discussion Board several times a week for course announcements, course information and discussion topics.
  • Manage your time wisely. Give yourself enough time complete assignments and properly prepare for exams.
  • Keep in contact with the instructor on a regular basis by emails and discussion board.
  • Use the assigned e-mail address as opposed to a personal e-mail address for everything related to the course.
  • Address technical problems immediately.
  • Students must respect the rights of others at all times when communicating in chat, email, or discussions. Observe course netiquette at all times.
  • Participation in this course is the key to doing well. Be sure all assignments are completed by the due date as posted on the Course Calendar.
  • If you have a technical issue address it at once to avoid falling behind in the class.
  • If you have questions, the discussion board is a great place to ask it. Remember that the only bad question is the one not asked. So, if you are unsure of something, ask. If you prefer, you may also email the instructor.
You are expected to learn how to navigate in D2L and address technical issues/problems immediately before falling behind in the course.

Please view the course site at least every other day for announcements, course information, and deadlines. There are recommended completion dates for each module posted on the calendar. Let me know if you have questions or problems with the assignments.

Keep in contact with me by using the D2L email address for all course related communications. You may use the alternate email address if necessary in an emergency situation. Please observe course netiquette at all times.
Guidelines for Communications
Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way.
    Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members
Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other's ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Chat:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestion
Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:
If you are having problems logging into your course, timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the AskRODP Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to the AskRODP website at:http://help.rodp.org