Preparing the Next Generation of Design Professionals

I would like to welcome deans, faculty, instructors and all educators to Autodesk University. This is a unique learning environment for those in the academic environment where you can access training classes, curricula, and certification resources to help you find engaging ways to connect with your students. You’ll also find additional opportunities to network with your peers, share ideas, and connect with industry professionals. I encourage you to come, learn, connect and explore with fellow educators from around the world.

Joe Astroth, Ph.D.
VP, Autodesk Learning and Education

Education Classes

The Education classes at AU 2009 will help educators learn not only how to use Autodesk  technology, but also how to use the technology to prepare students for the professional world. Classes will:

• Increase educators’ proficiency in Autodesk technology and key industry trends
• Allow educators to get certified in their use of Autodesk technology
• Offer academic faculty with resources, impactful content and curricula that engage students to create a better learning experience in the classroom through the use of technology
• Provide industry insights on how to effectively prepare students for successful careers

View all Education classes.

Education Keynote: Building an Educational Experience for
Gen Y

College students today don’t remember when computers did not exist. The Internet, cell phones, and 24 x 7 connectivity have been central to their life for as long as they can remember. But test scores reveal that math and science competency of American students remain substantially below those of students in many other countries—even some developing countries. What can be done to better engage engineering students in the learning process, unleash their creativity in design, infuse them with entrepreneurial thinking, greatly enhance their ability to communicate persuasively, and make them highly-effective team players and leaders? 

Olin College—a brand new independent 4-year engineering college—was established about 10 years ago with a gift of more than $460 million for the specific purpose of developing a new paradigm for engineering education to address these concerns. It is one answer to the question, “If you could start over in higher education, what would you do to address these concerns about the preparation of the Engineer of 2020?” This talk will provide insights from 10 years of experimentation in engineering education.

Education Panel Discussion and Networking Reception: What Industry Needs of Their Newest Employees

How do employers know that the entry level employees they hire out of design, engineering and digital arts courses have the skills they require in the workplace? Come and listen to a panel of leading Autodesk commercial customers discuss the skills and capabilities students need as they become tomorrow’s professionals, and listen to influential professors discuss how they are preparing their students for a career in design. Where are there gaps in what employers expect and how students are being prepared? This panel discussion will be immediately followed by a hosted reception to allow attendees the opportunity to network with the panel members and their peers.

Education Lounge

Stop by the Education Lounge where you can meet one-on-one with experts from the Education Industry Group’s global team, as well as peers in your academic field. Autodesk Education team members will be on hand to help you share compelling stories and projects with your peers, as well as offer tips, tricks, and their expertise and knowledge.

Education Pecha Kucha

Don’t miss seeing students from the Autodesk Student Expert program as they bring a fresh face to Pecha Kucha this year. The students will share exciting new ways that they are using Autodesk design technology to prepare for their futures.

Discover the Autodesk Subscription Advantage at AU

Take this opportunity to learn about the exclusive software, learning, and support benefits available to Education Subscription customers. The Autodesk Subscription Team will be on-site to show you how Subscription can help you make the most of your investment in Autodesk software. Whether you are new to Subscription, a Subscription veteran, or a non-Subscriber, please be sure to check back for updates and details on the Subscription-related activities happening at AU 2009, including classes exclusively for Autodesk Subscription customers.

Interested in attending Autodesk University Virtual? Learn more about the free AU Virtual Premier pass for Subscription Customers.