Autodesk has made a stunning announcement that creates free* access to its leading design software to over half a BILLION students and educators across almost a million global educational faculties. The renowned 3D design software company has created free access to leading software for academic institutions in the US via President Obama’s ConnectED initiative earlier in the year. Autodesk then expanded that free access to academic institutions in Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
Now, Autodesk, probably the best known three dimensional software supplier for professionals and amateurs alike has opened the door for free educational access to its high quality computer aided design (CAD) software for students and their teachers right around the world. More than 680 million students and teachers in over 800,000 schools across 188 countries are now able to gain free access to the company’s pro software and services.
Carl Bass, the Chief Executive Officer of Autodesk, explained: “The way we make things is changing rapidly, and we need a workforce ready to design for new manufacturing and construction techniques. By providing free professional design tools to students, faculty members and academic institutions around the world, we’re helping get industry ready for the next phase.”
Autodesk says that students as young as thirteen years old are using software such as Fusion 360 to conceptualize and 3D print prosthetic devices. There are other outstanding examples, such as college teams developing eco-homes using BIM 360 Glue. Autodesk also offers free project-based learning for content and resources such as their Digital STEAM Workshop and Design Academy.
Former vice-president of the European Commission Neelie Kroes commented: “Closing the digital gap in education starts by providing European schools with common access to the same advanced technology being used by industry professionals today. Autodesk’s pledge to provide our schools, students and teachers with free access to its professional 3D design software will enable educators to introduce design thinking into our classrooms; equip digital natives with the design tools to learn to solve real-world challenges in new creative ways; and prepare the next-generation workforce with the 21st century skills to meet industry demands and advance our economies.”
You can find out more about free educational access to Autodesk’s software by following the link to the appropriate webpage here.
*Free Autodesk software and/or cloud-based services are subject to acceptance of and compliance with the terms and conditions of the software license agreement or terms of service that accompany such software or cloud-based services. Software and cloud-based services provided without charge to Education Community members may be used solely for purposes directly related to learning, teaching, training, research or development and shall not be used for commercial, professional or any other for-profit purposes.
