Overview
In this unique course geared towards landscape applications we introduce a whole new integrated 3-dimensional design and modeling process.
Whether your preferred medium is pen and paper or a conventional 2-dimensional CAD program, the ability to work in 3 dimensions and view your work from all angles will undoubtedly enrich your creative design process. And the fluidity of non-static, 3-dimensional models will empower you to communicate your ideas to landscape decision makers who do not have the designer's ability to mentally project a 2-dimensional drawing into images of a real live landscape.
Here are some of the exciting, cutting edge techniques you will learn in this course:
- Conventional presentation documents including a full set of 2-dimensional landscape plans
- Computer-based presentations, slide shows and animations
- Integration with imported design components, including base maps and construction elements
- 3-dimensional landscape modeling
- Terrain modeling
- Integration with Excel spreadsheets and Word documents
- Integration with Google maps
Who should consider this course?
- Landscape designers and architects
- Permaculturists
- Farmers
- Land planners
- Educators
- Anybody tired of drafting by hand!
This course is only offered online. It is a prerequisite for our online Ecological Landscape Design course.
Fees
Fees: $695.00
Fees include:
- Comprehensive on-line educational materials
- Unlimited access to our on-line course resources, community center, including libraries, discussion forums and much more.
Payment Options
By Mail: Cheque drawn on a Canadian bank; Money order in Canadian funds
On-line: Visa, Mastercard
Policies
Please be sure you are familiar with our policies.
Prerequisites
There are no academic prerequisites for this course, however students must
- be proficient in English (written)
- be comfortable with current computer and internet technology
This is not an introductory computer skills course, but an introduction to a very sophisticated computer assisted design program. SketchUp Pro is used by professionals world-wide.
Evaluations
There are no formal exams in this course, as the emphasis is on developing practical skills.
To receive a Certificate of Completion students must contribute to all on-line discussions and satisfactorily complete all assignments.
Technology
Students must use SketchUp Pro 2017. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they have the required computer hardware, with a supported operating system, to run SketchUp Pro 2017. See the 'System Requirements' tab on the following page: SketchUp Pro 2017 Student 1-Year License.
Students will receive instructions on how to purchase a SketchUp Pro 2017 Student 1-Year License during the first week of class.
Credits
This program is eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) with the following:
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
Pre-approved:
24 credits
National Association of Landcare Professionals (NALP) – American
Pre-approved:
24 credits
B.C. Society of Landscape Architects
As per Society guidelines - eligibility of this program has been confirmed
Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI)
Pre-approved:
24 credits
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
Pre-approved: 4 Credits
Studying Online
Studying on-line is very different from learning in a face-to-face classroom setting. It may be more convenient – or for some it may be the only way they can take our courses - but it is definitely not easier.
The University of Illinois has provided some excellent pre-assessment information for potential on-line students. Please complete the online Self Evaluation:
http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/selfEval.asp
And please read the article entitled 'What Makes A Successful Online Student?'
http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/StudentProfile.asp.
If you have any doubts about your ability to dedicate 8-10 hours per week to this course then it is probably not for you. Those who are able to commit themselves to this experience rest assured that our instructors are not only experts in organic horticulture, but are also experienced on-line facilitators. We will do our absolute best to ensure you have an interesting and fulfilling learning experience.
Online classroom versus self-paced studies
The question may arise why we are offering this course over a specific time frame, rather than letting each student study at their own speed. Our experience is that without firm deadlines most students do not finish the longer online courses - and we really want you to succeed!
So, for optimum student success, this course is being offered in an interactive online classroom format. The “virtual classroom” includes group interaction in structured activities such as discussions, experiments, and demonstrations, yet still maintains flexibility for the individual.
Our vast learning resources and networking facilities are always available to students, even after completion of the course. So if for some reason you are not able to complete the course on time you will still retain access to the information to review it at your own pace. However, to earn the Certificate of Completion all course work must be completed by the end of the course term.
How do we handle hands-on activities in an on-line course?
That is indeed a challenge, but frankly, allowing "enough" hands-on experience is always difficult even in a classroom course. So the hands-on portion of the course has been incorporated into the assignments, where students get to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice. This is even more fun if you can get a friend to take the course with you!
Depending on the course, some of these activities may require access to soil and composting materials. Students living in climates where the ground may be covered in 2 feet of snow for the duration of the course have the option to choose an alternative assignment, or take the course at another time of the year.