Most think of CAD and 3D modeling as technology that’s taught at the college or professional level, it is now trickling down to high-school and even middle-school classrooms. CAD increasingly is shaping the education of America’s youth in ways that far outstrip its original application as a drafting tool. Its use is helping to shore up the country’s supply of engineers by instilling a passion for technology use at a young age.

When it comes to fostering students’ interest in a subject current wisdom says the window of opportunity is closing by the time students finish middle school. That, together with an emphasis on the importance of teaching process and critical thinking, is what’s driving the push to introduce CAD technologies to students in the third through twelfth grades.

3D Academy, the educational branch of 3D Innovations, focuses on bringing CAD into the classroom. Our program curriculum is structured and designed to give students a head start in their careers as well as exposure to industry practices. Curriculum is focused on pre-engineering principles that integrate CAD, engineering design, drafting, and manufacturing.

Opportunity and exposure to STEM fields are key to fostering interest, but a student’s belief in his or her ability to make a contribution to the professional world is an important precursor to pursuing what often is a hidden dream. CAD is helping students gain that confidence.

Resources:

• Get ‘Em While They’re Young: Cadalyst

__________

3D Academy, A Division of 3D Innovations, LLC provides training services specializing in 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technology.