Monday, 28 May 2012

Online Drafting Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Online courses in drafting are an important component of interior design, construction and architecture programs. Students interested in pursuing a career in drafting should consider the program type, technical requirements for each program as well as their own career objectives before enrolling.

How to Select an Online Drafting School

Award Levels

Drafters work in a variety of fields, from interior design to construction and architecture. Online study of drafting can be found in degree programs in these fields as well as certificate or diploma programs specializing in drafting or drafting technology. Students must consider the industry they would like to enter as well as the level of study desired when choosing an online drafting program. Online courses offer basic training that can help successful graduates obtain entry-level positions as drafters.

Program Type

Online programs can be offered in fully online or hybrid formats. Fully online programs require no attendance and all classes are completed from home. These may follow certain class schedules or be entirely self-paced. Hybrid or low-residency programs feature a mix of online classes and on-campus work. The in-person classes often involve labs or other hands-on experiences that would be difficult to replicate at a distance. Both types of program can include internships that must be completed in-person.

Skills

Drafters must be able to draw highly detailed designs accurately and to scale. Many drafters today make use of computer-aided drafting design (CADD), and thus many school programs focus on this form of drafting. However, online drafting classes can also cover the use of traditional drafting tools.

Technical Requirements

In order to participate in online programs, students need a computer with access to the Internet and a modern Web browser. Students may be required to purchase CADD software or drafting tools. Some basic technical fluency may be needed to complete and submit online assignments and work with the CADD software.

List of Popular Online Drafting Programs

Online Diploma in Drafting

Professional online schools offer diploma programs aimed at students looking to gain working knowledge of computer aided drafting programs. Through a variety of online lectures, diagrams and video demonstrations, students learn to use both traditional and computer-based drafting solutions. A typical professional drafting diploma program can last up to a year. In order to prove competency in the field and graduate from the program students will be asked to submit projects and score well on tests and quizzes.

Online Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Students interested in drafting as it applies to the design of rooms and other spaces can enroll in an online bachelor's degree program in interior design. Students lean to plan and execute drawings in two and three dimensions. Courses in this program teach students to solve design problems in a variety of interiors such as retail, commercial and residential spaces. The program also includes online courses in design theory, design history and architectural modeling.

Online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

Those seeking study in the design and creation of buildings and other structures can enroll in a construction management online program. Students here study architectural drafting, blueprint creation and building analysis. In addition to courses relating to drafting, the program also covers construction project planning and management, building codes and construction material. A bachelor's degree program typically takes four years to complete.

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