This guide is intended to assist teachers in using computer-aided design (CAD) workstations and artificial intelligence software to teach basic drafting skills. The guide outlines a 7-unit shell program that may also be used as a generic authoring system capable of supporting computer-based training (CBT) in other subject areas. The first section explains the authoring system, which is based on the open architecture and interactive design capabilities of the AutoCAD Computer-Aided Design and AutoLISP Artificial Intelligence Systems. The following topics are covered in a programmer's reference guide to AutoCAD CBT: AutoLISP functions and usage; variables used by the system; system file formats; procedures for setting up the system; techniques for tracking student activities; teacher utilities; and listings of CBT AutoLISP, batch, and script codes. Outlines for instructional units on the following seven topics are provided: performing basic drawing operations, activating and using a mouse and digitizer pad to perform selected CAD drawing tasks, accessing and editing drawing files, drawing a construction from specifications, establishing and using layers, drawing entities and blocks, and plotting a drawing. Each unit outline contains terminal and enabling objectives. A screen-by-screen illustration of the 7-unit course is also included. (MN)