This guide is intended for use in introducing students to the operation and applications of computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems. The following topics are covered in the individual lessons: understanding CAD (CAD versus traditional manual drafting and care of software and hardware); using the components of a CAD system (primary and other input devices and computer configuration); initializing a CAD system; using input devices (keyboards and auxiliary input devices); setting drawing parameters (setting page size and selecting scale, units, and font); storing and retrieving data; creating a drawing with a CAD system (terms related to drawing with CAD, basic entity insertion, secondary entity creation [cross-hatching], and drawing manipulation); text insertion (terminology for inserting text, and dimensions, notes, and ancillary text); editing existing drawings; using a CAD library, using output devices (printers, plotters, and laser printers); and exiting a CAD system (logging off). Each lesson contains some or all of the following: a statement of the scope of the unit, lesson objectives, an information assignment, suggested resources, an introduction, a lesson outline, a summary and conclusion, interaction items (questions to stimulate student interaction during the lesson), classroom and laboratory activities, and evaluation items. Appendixes include guides to using a disk operating system (DOS); the AUTOCAD, MATC CAD, and CADKEY software packages; a glossary; and a bibliography. (MN)