Aug. 13, 2014
Autodesk is offering schools and universities in Australia and New Zealand free access to its suite of design software and creativity apps, in an education program that it claims is valued at more than AU$25 million.
Autodesk, the leading 3D modelling software-maker, will now offer schools and universities in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) free access to its 3D design software and creativity apps. Autodesk's pledge, which is valued at over $25 million, is expected to help educators at more than 3,400 schools and prepare students for careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields.
Autodesk has also launched 'Design the Future' program today which is aimed to provide secondary school teachers with free software training, and project-based curricula that integrates software and apps into standard lesson plans.
According to the company, Autodesk's 3D design software, creativity apps and learning resources are already being used in many schools in Australia and New Zealand.
"We've recently expanded the use of Autodesk software in our Physics curriculum by having students design, 3D print and present a space-based observatory as part of their study in multi-wavelength astronomy." said Milorad Cerovac, science and technology educator at Melbourne's King David School. "These hands-on learning activities, made possible by partnerships with industry, not only prepare them for the demands of STEAM-based courses, but also provide students with important skills valued by prospective employers."
Newcastle-based Merewether High School also uses the software to support their participation in the international F1 in Schools design competition.
"One of our teams, 'Southern Cross Racing,' will be competing in the world finals of the F1 in Schools competition in Abu Dhabi this year. These kids are using the same 3D tools as professionals to design their projects, and they love it. As an educator it is really exciting to see students become proficient in industry standard tools at such a young age. It gives our future designers and engineers a tremendous head start," said Michael Platt, technology teacher at Merewether High School.
Brenton Wyett, manager of Education programs at Autodesk, said that the company's new program will help to equip and inspire the next generation of creative leaders and innovators in the region. "Today's students will shape tomorrow's industries. With free access to Autodesk software, schools can expose students to the technological advancements that are revolutionising the professional world — from cloud and mobile technologies to 3D printing."
Autodesk announced in May that it is going to join the lower-end 3D printer arena with its own open-software 3D printing platform called 'Spark'.
Posted in 3D Design
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