Our distance learning program is designed for busy people who want to learn to use computer software at their own pace, on their computer and at a time of their choosing.

What is special about our distance courses?

We offer two forms of distance learning.

1. Online learning

We have created a comprehensive eLearning web site which utilizes your broadband Internet connection to provide comprehensive training in a wide variety of software tools. Here is the link to the site: http://www.softwaretutor.net. You can sample course modules by clicking on any of the links under 'Sampling Softwaretutor.net'. Details of the syllabus for a particular course can be found by clicking on the blue information button alongside the right of the course name.

This site features more than 40 online courses covering a wide range of business software. It does require broadband access because much of the instruction is delivered in the form of short 'how to' movies which will play on your computer screen and illustrate concepts. Our courses feature 24/7 rapid enrolment, multi media materials, online forums, multi choice reviews, questionnaires, submission of assignments etc. Softwaretutor.net offers an enhanced learning experience at an affordable price ($AUD250.00). Your enrolment will stay active for at least 12 months.

2. CD-ROM based distance learning

The majority of courses are available via our CD-ROM based distance learning program at a cost of $AUD280.00.  We post a personalized CD-ROM containing the complete course which runs in your web browser without the need for an Internet connection. The whole course can be completed at home or at work at your own pace.

As part of our continuing drive to reduce our carbon emissions by using digital delivery, we no longer offer a printed workbook with your CD-ROM. The course workbook can be accessed, searched and printed from a PDF file from your CD-ROM if required. We believe that this is a better option than providing a printed workbook.

There is an additional charge of $AUD30.00 (making $AUD310.00) if access to the broadband learning version of the course is also required. Many students take this option and use it when it is convenient for them to make an Internet connection. The broadband learning version of the course contains various forums, quizzes and the opportunity to submit questions which are not available on the CD-ROM. Courses are also updated on a regular basis.

When ordering a course (by email to info@designcad.com.au or info@softwaretutor.net), please be specific about which distance learning option you wish to take.

Learning strategy

Our courses encourage learning by doing. We provide numerous 'how to movies'. These 2- 3 minute movies provide comprehensive instruction and are simple to use as you just click on a link in the web page (as above) and the movie runs on your computer screen, clearly demonstrating step by step, how to perform a particular task. Once you have watched a movie, you are then encouraged to complete the very same series of steps using your own software using the instructions in web page (also in the PDF file of the workbook) thus practicing and building the skills outlined in the movie. You do all this using your own computer and software in an environment which is comfortable and familiar. Progress is at a pace that suits your needs, not those of a course tutor. There is certainly no need to compete with others in a formal classroom setting!

Try an example

Click on the link to play a sample movie which comes from our 'Introduction to Excel' course.

How long does it take to complete a course?

Each course is designed to take about 20-30 hours of direct instruction from us, but this increases substantially if you choose (as we believe you should) to complete the various practice exercises we set. The amount of practice and revision will of course vary from student to student, but movies explaining more difficult concepts can be played over again to reinforce your learning.

Don't forget that as a distance student, you have an advantage over students in a conventional class room settings as you can split your learning over as many sessions as you like and repeat things a soften as you like. 

Requirements

You will need a computer running Windows equipped with a sound card and (external) speakers. Since you are capable of viewing this page, and have (hopefully) played the  movie above, then a suitable browser is already installed in your computer.

Our software is tested in Microsoft's Internet Explorer, but should work in other browsers although not at present on Macintosh computers unless you download and install a version of Microsoft's Media Player for the Mac. 

What do you receive when you enrol?

1. Broadband learning:

Access to the course on www.softwaretutor.net, allows participation in multi choice tests, discussion forums and email support. You can self enrol with payment through PayPal which takes all credit cards. We can also enrol you separately if you contact info@designcad.com.au and make alternative payment arrangements.

How do I run the course if I am using broadband access?

Start your internet connection, start your browser and simply visit http://www.softwaretutor.net, select your course and log on with the user name and password that you nominated when enrolling. If we have enrolled you, your user name is usually your given name plus the first letter of your last name. You password is usually your last name.

2. CD-ROM based distance learning

We provide by Express Post, a package which includes: 

How do I run the course if I am using the CD-ROM?

To begin the course, you simply insert the CD-ROM in your computer's CD drive. Your browser should start and display the  opening page of the course. A typical opening page is shown in the figure below. [Do not click on the link in the phrase "Click here to start" in the figure below as we have inactivated it in this sample!]

The link 'Click here to start', takes you to a menu of modules which we encourage you to follow sequentially.

Do you need anything else?

As we include many tutorial movie demonstrations you need to satisfy yourself that your equipment will play the movies to your satisfaction.

Jus in case you have not already done so, click here to download and test yet another short movie (this one is 1.5Mb in size) from another of our courses (From the course 'An Introduction to Photoshop').

Is support provided for distance students?

Yes, we provide Email support and web site support. You are encouraged to send us examples of your work for feedback.

Assessment

Although not compulsory, if required, we can offer rigorous assessment based on assignment work. This is more important for discipline specific software such as CAD software - IntelliCAD and AutoCAD, and DTP software such as InDesign than for more common Microsoft Office software.

Available courses

Courses currently available for distance learning are listed at http://www.softwaretutor.net. If a course is listed there, it is available for CD-ROM based distance learning.

As mentioned, we offer a variety of payment options - payment by direct deposit, cheque, money order or via . PayPal allows secure credit card purchase, even if you do not have a PayPal account.