Autodesk's Portfolio Of Academic Solutions Prepares Next Generation Of Design Professionals

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. announced today updates to its portfolio of academic software solutions, which promote project-based learning and provide worldwide access to the same cutting-edge, 3D design tools used by industry leading professionals. The innovative design curriculum included in Autodesk's academic software has been developed for educators by educators, and provides the necessary tools to inspire and support tomorrow's generation of future engineers, architects and designers.

Autodesk's academic suite includes Autodesk Design Institute, Autodesk Design Academy, Autodesk DesignKids and Autodesk Animation Academy. These solutions introduce concepts, theory, and exercises for students to develop the design skills they will need for successful careers in design.

"Autodesk is committed to inspiring design innovation among students and educators," said Paul Mailhot, senior director of worldwide education programs at Autodesk. "Through project-based learning, students receive the exposure and training they need to compete for the engineering, architecture and design jobs of the future -- from the time they are in middle school all the way through college graduation."

Autodesk Design Institute Helps Prepare College Students for Careers in Design

Autodesk Design Institute gives post-secondary educators and students access to a wide range of design tools that allow them to apply 3D modeling and visualization skills to a variety of design disciplines. Students studying architecture, interior design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, civil engineering, geographic information systems, industrial design, and urban and rural planning, all benefit from exposure to Autodesk's professional tools.

Autodesk Design Institute also provides schools with access to technical support directly from Autodesk and comprises the latest technology, including: AutoCAD 2008, AutoCAD Architecture 2008, Autodesk Inventor Professional 2008, Revit Architecture 2008, Revit Structure 2008, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008, AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 and Autodesk VIZ 2008 software products.

The comprehensive curriculum for Revit Architecture, Inventor Professional and Civil 3D included in Autodesk Design Institute allows educators to integrate the newest Autodesk software titles into any existing design curriculum. Educators also have access to e-learning tools and product extensions made available through the Autodesk Design Institute members-only website. Students and educators are also encouraged to participate in Autodesk's online Student Engineering and Design Community to access tutorials, join discussion boards, network with peers and download free* versions of popular 3D software such as Inventor Professional, Revit Architecture, Alias Studio and Civil 3D. The Student Engineering and Design Community is available at http://www.students.autodesk.com/ .

Autodesk Design Academy Inspires High-School Students for Visionary Careers in Design, Engineering and Architecture

The Autodesk Design Academy solution was developed specifically to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and is ideal for secondary schools looking to offer students a relevant and engaging curriculum that maps to national standards.

Through Autodesk Design Academy, students apply STEM principles to real-life engineering and architecture projects, which provide a real-world context allowing students to develop skills that focus on teamwork, presentation and design. Autodesk Design Academy offers project-based approach to design basics, pre-architecture, pre-civil engineering, pre-mechanical engineering, geometry and substantial design courses.