Computer Aided Design Technology Skills Guide
Recommended High School Level Background Courses
- *Algebra I
- Physics
- Photography
- *Geometry
- Industrial Arts
- Office Practices
- *Algebra II
- Drafting
- Introduction to Computer Literacy
- Trigonometry
- Metals
- Keyboarding
* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center
Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job
Reading
Students in this program should be prepared for close, careful reading of technical material; they must learn the meanings of many technical terms, relate various visual aids to the accompanying text and follow a detailed sequence of instructions to complete drawing projects. First-semester texts, which are a central part of the coursework, are written at approximately a college level. Other reading materials, which are used both in the classroom and on the job, include computer and autocad operating manuals, trade publications and customer specification forms.
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Language
Both written and oral communication skills are important in this program. All students will take Composition I (ENG 105) in their first term and those who opt for the AAS degree will also take Composition II: Technical Writing (ENG 108) in their fourth term. In addition, students will be required to keep an engineering log to accompany their design projects in Term 5. These concise notes are used to describe and justify choices made during the design process. In the work place such notes are important records if projects are reassigned or if legal liability is an issue.
Oral presentations may be assigned in the psychology/human relations option taken in Term 2. In their drafting classes, students learn to explain problems clearly, using proper technical language. On the job, they will interact not only with engineers and other drafters, but also with sales personnel. They must be able to translate a customer's concept into a sketch, using language understandable to the customer.
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Math
Very strong math skills are needed for success in Computer-Aided Design Technology; students who have taken high school level courses in algebra, geometry, and trig do best in this program. Required math courses, beginning Term I, include Applied Math (MAT 772) and Applied Math II (MAT 773). Descriptive Geometry is taught as part of CAD Graphics II (CAD 152). Students should be careful to stay in sequence with these requirements, as the skills learned are immediately applied in their drafting coursework. Computer Aided Drafting makes extensive use of x and y coordinates, including positive and negative numbers, on a graph. Other math used in the program and on the job includes triangulation, geometric constructions and manipulating formulas to solve for unknowns.
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Learning
The ability to conceptualize spatial relationships—to visualize how things fit together—is crucial to success in this program. Students must be able to see the similarities and differences between objects, to understand how specific mouse or track ball commands translate into changes on the computer screen and to follow the proper chronological sequence in creating their drawings.
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Computer
General familiarity with computers would be helpful for students entering the program. In every term, they will take computer-aided drafting and design courses. They may also use word processing programs to complete writing assignments for Composition I, Composition II: Technical Writing, and other classes.
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