British School Computer Scientists Visit SFS Academy

Last week, a small group of Year 12 students were given a special opportunity to see practical Computer Science and its real-life applications at the SFS Academy, the first organization in Sri Lanka to be authorized as a training partner for Autodesk CAD software. On the 25th of May, our group set off from BSC at 9 a.m. to be a part of a demonstration and seminar organized with various schools on CAD software, or Computer Aided Design.

At the centre, we were introduced to Mr. Anil Chauhan, a professional 3D designer with expertise in Autodesk CAD in particular. Our demonstration was based on Tinker CAD, however; a relatively simple but still very versatile 3D design and printing tool with a focus on anyone being able to create useful designs in a matter of minutes. Even with the limited provision that SFS had on hand after their relocation, we were all able to understand and master the controls and interface with ease. As well as live modelling, Mr. Chauhan showcased the many different applications of CAD, including use in the film industry with CG, conceptual design of entire buildings, and evaluation of topography completely digitally. Previously, all of these would have required hours of time with a manual method such as blueprints and sculptures.

We were then allowed to let our creativity roam free, as we were given our own computers and allowed to do as we pleased. To become familiar with CAD software takes a fair amount of practice, and to create useful designs even longer. But during the space of just 45 minutes, two of us were able to create a model very closely resembling a fidget spinner, which is amazing considering none of us have ever used any CAD software before! From this hands-on practical, we could begin to visualize the limitless amount of possibilities that CAD opens up.

Afterwards, the presentation came to a conclusion and we were awarded certificates for our work in the seminar. However, the impact that just a few hours had given us made a lasting impression. The fact that the simple idea of digitally creating models to apply in industries from fashion to engineering is fascinating. With CAD, the lines between science-fiction and reality begin to blur, as technologies such as 3D printing become ever more commercialized and make it possible to make these designs. Being able to utilize one tool in such a flexible manner across so many areas makes CAD very powerful, enabling the designers of today to imagine and create possibilities which they could only have dreamed of yesterday.