Autodesk announces 2012 design software for education market

Autodesk, Inc., a provider of 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, has announced its 2012 portfolio of software suites and free curricula to help students learn core design and engineering skills.

The new suites provide the same tools used by professionals, and will make it easier for students to adopt and use a broader set of Autodesk’s design software offerings. The suites have a range of capabilities that bring together compatible sets of complementary products to help prepare students for successful careers in architecture, engineering and digital arts. Offered around the world, the suites are available in more than 10 languages, including English.

“The growing global demand for qualified engineering, design and digital entertainment creation professionals presents significant opportunities for many students,” said Joe Astroth, Ph.D., chief education officer at Autodesk. “Our new educational software suites and curricula can help students get ahead of the curve on their journey toward fulfilling and exciting careers.”

New suites for colleges and universities include Autodesk Design Suite for Education, Autodesk Factory Design Suite for Education and Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education. Each suite provides the latest versions of 26 widely used products, including AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Inventor Professional, Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya. Improved features and functionality help aspiring professionals explore and learn new design concepts, as well as established and emerging industry processes, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Sustainable Design, Digital Entertainment Creation and Digital Prototyping, all with a view to improving students’ competitive advantage in the workplace. To promote a more engaging educational experience, the post-secondary suites are supported by eight curricula aligned by discipline and academic skill area. The curricula are available for free download through the Autodesk Education Community.

Autodesk has also updated its offerings with a full solution for secondary schools, including updates of two suites with 2012 versions of Autodesk’s products; a new curriculum, the Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop, to help students see the dynamic connection between science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM); and a recently announced certification program to help students validate their skills.

The Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop helps equip educators with the latest tools to teach design principles, and includes immersive, project-based experiences to address the evolving nature of how students want to learn. The curriculum includes professionally developed instructional videos, interactive lessons with 3D models, and a Digital Study Packet that supports the Autodesk Certified User certification program for students. The Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop will be available in the coming weeks through the Autodesk Education Community.

“Our goal is to provide teachers with curricula to give students an exciting and highly relevant educational experience,” said Astroth. “The Digital STEAM Workshop breaks new ground for design education, using real-world projects illustrated through highly visual videogame-like experiences, to attract students and help them better understand fundamental design principles.”

For additional information about Autodesk’s education offerings, visit www.autodesk.com/education.