Many schools offer two types of Sketch classes; full-time and part-time. Each format has its own benefits and drawbacks. A full-time class is the quickest option, and will allow you to focus all of your attention on what you’re learning. A part-time class takes longer to complete, however, it gives you more time to develop your skills and allows you to spread out your tuition costs. This article discusses some of the other differences between the two class formats and offers advice about how to choose the one that will work best for you.
Why Learn SketchUp Part Time?
There are a number of good reasons why you might want to learn SketchUp part time. One of the biggest benefits of part time learning is that it gives you flexibility. While a full-time class will take a significant level of time and focus, when you learn part-time you’ll have the flexibility to balance your education with other needs such as work or family responsibilities, and other interests. Many people are able to attend school part-time while also continuing to work. Not having to quit your job means you’ll have a reliable income while you learn. It can also help you fund your education. Another benefit of not having to give up your job to attend school is that you may not feel so much pressure to get a job right after you graduate. Instead, you can take the time to find a position that is the perfect fit.
Another advantage of learning part-time is that you’ll have more time to absorb all the new information you’re gaining, practice your skills, and develop a portfolio of projects. In a field like design, where there are a lot of new concepts to learn, this can be a significant advantage. Further, when you learn part-time you may also have more time to gain relevant work experience, which can increase your chances of finding work when you graduate.
Drawbacks to Learning SketchUp Part Time
However, there are also drawbacks to learning part time. One is that most part-time programs take significantly longer to complete than full-time ones. If you’re trying to learn SketchUp as quickly as possible, then a part-time program may not be the best option for you. Another drawback to part-time learning is that when you learn part-time, you’ll be dividing your focus between education and other things, and this might detract from the learning process. Some people say that they learn better if they can focus on one thing and put all of their attention on it, as happens when you attend school full-time. In contrast, when you learn part time, you may have competing obligations--such as a job--that can take away from your focus on learning project management. In addition, with a part-time program, you might be less likely to engage with peers while you learn, which can mean that you’ll miss out on potentially valuable networking opportunities.
Is a Part-Time SketchUp Bootcamp Right for You?
When it comes to learning SketchUp, everyone has different goals and needs, so the decision about whether a part-time course is right will vary from person to person. Some students will want to complete their education as quickly as possible and will have the time and money to do so. For them, a full-time program will be a better option. However, for many people, a part-time class is an excellent way to prepare for a career that involves SketchUp. By learning part-time you won’t have to quit your job or feel pressured into accepting another. You’ll also be able to spread out both the cost of the class and the learning experience.
Ways to Make Learning SketchUp Part-Time Easier
There are a number of different self-teaching tools that you can also use to make the learning process easier. If you’re just getting started with SketchUp and design in general, you might be interested in the free introductory seminars that some schools offer. For example, Noble Desktop offers some free design seminars and other resources to help students get a better idea of this topic before committing to a formal class. Get Started in Design: Graphic, Web, UX/UI & Motion is one option. It gives you an overview of many different types of design and the tools used in each of these fields. In this seminar, you can get a better idea of what designers do, and the types of apps that they use. Graphic Design Fundamentals is another free Noble Desktop seminar. It covers what Graphic Designers do, and how to get started in this field. You can learn about what types of classes you can take, and how to begin building a portfolio.
There are also a number of other places to find free resources. Some schools offer limited free courses. For instance, LinkedIn Learning has a short course called “Learning SketchUp for Free,” and Udemy has a number of free courses including “The Quick Basics of SketchUp Free!” SketchUp’s website offers free resources for users, including a number of resources on how to set up this application and how to get started using it. Its website also contains a page called the SketchUp Community, where you can consult with other users. YouTube is another source of free information, and you’ll find many free short SketchUp tutorials there. Another way to get free SketchUp information is to ask an expert. There are many online forums where people with more experience in this field are often happy to share information with beginners.
Because of the many challenges associated with self teaching, most people who are serious about learning SketchUp choose to take a formal, live SketchUp class. A class can make the learning process significantly easier. There are many advantages associated with a live class. One is that you’ll follow a structured curriculum that covers everything you need to know in order to use SketchUp professionally. This includes the opportunity to practice your skills by working on numerous projects. A class will give you a well-rounded education that will prepare you to use your SketchUp skills in real-world situations.
Another advantage of a class is that you’ll receive expert guidance throughout the learning process. Most classes are led by experienced instructors who also have professional industry experience. They can answer your questions and provide feedback. They can also share their insights about industry trends, best practices, and challenges that you are likely to encounter. In addition, they can help you network within the field of design. Most people find that when they learn from an instructor, they master SketchUp much more quickly than when they try to teach themselves.
Taking a class also means that you’ll be learning along with a group of peers, which can also help you learn more quickly and more effectively. Most classes involve a high degree of collaboration, with activities such as group discussions, projects, and workshops. These group activities can help broaden your experience and deepen your understanding. They can also help you prepare for collaborative work in the future, which is common in the field of design. Finally, peer interactions can lead to networking opportunities, which can also be valuable in the future.
Choosing the Best Part-part-time SketchUp Classes or Bootcamp
When you’re looking at SketchUp classes, it's important to look at the curriculum of the class that you’re interested in. Every school has its own unique curriculum, and if you want to be successful in your education, you should choose a course that is compatible with your learning goals and learning style. Some classes focus just on a more narrow set of skills, while others are more general. You’ll also find differences in the ways different classes are taught. Most will include at least some hands-on training, where you work on projects, however, the degree of project work can vary.
Cost is also an important consideration for most people. The cost of SketchUp classes varies widely. Longer courses like a bootcamp, or design certificate program can cost thousands of dollars. Shorter classes are cheaper, but you’ll learn less. On-demand courses are generally the least expensive type of class because they don’t have a live instructor. You’ll also find a variety of different payment options. Some schools require you to pay the entire tuition up-front, while others offer payment plans, in some cases with interest, and in others you’ll find interest-free options.
With so many different SketchUp classes out there, it can be overwhelming to choose one. As a way to help solve this problem, Noble Desktop created the Classes Near Me tool to help you narrow down your options. This tool allows you to sort classes by geographic area, find online options, and also compare short and long programs.
Learn SketchUp with Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop is based in New York City and offers a wide variety of design classes. It has both short courses that can help you quickly master the basics, and longer, more comprehensive programs that are intended to get you career-ready in a relatively short amount of time. These classes are offered in person at its Manhattan facility or in a live online format, where you can sign on from any location in the world. Many are offered part time. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department. All courses include a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year.
If you want to learn SketchUp, you can enroll in Noble’s SketchUp Pro Bootcamp, which is a multi-day class designed to get you ready to start building 3D models. It covers a wide range of topics including interface navigation, drawing shapes, adding volume, and transforming elements. You’ll also learn to use the SketchUp Warehouse. This class includes plenty of hands-on practice. No prior experience is required, other than the ability to use a computer.
If you’re interested in 3D modeling, Noble also offers an AutoCAD Bootcamp. This course is open to beginners and will take students to an intermediate level of mastery. It starts with basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing. Students will then learn to work in AutoCAD, creating and editing a simple drawing and then moving on to more advanced skills. This course is designed for PC users.
There is also an AutoCAD Masterclass, which covers beginner, intermediate, and advanced skills. Finally, Noble offers an AutoDesk Certification Program. This course includes three AutoCAD classes in addition to six hours of private tutoring. You’ll finish the course by taking the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam. Proctoring and a free retake are included with your tuition.
Related SketchUp Resources
How to Learn SketchUp
Master SketchUp with hands-on training. SketchUp is a 3D modeling application used in fields such as architecture, interior design, mechanical engineering, and video game design.
- SketchUp Pro Bootcamp at Noble Desktop: live, instructor-led course available in NYC or live online
- Find Graphic Design Classes Near You: Search & compare dozens of available courses in-person
- Attend a graphic design class live online (remote/virtual training) from anywhere
- Find & compare the best online graphic design classes (on-demand) from the top providers and platforms
- Train your staff with corporate and onsite graphic design training