CAD Manager's Newsletter (#365)

Classic CAD Manager: Build Better Lessons for Your Users

Whether you're recording videos or delivering live training sessions, the planning stage is the most important.

Editor's note: Until Robert Green returns, we'll be revisiting a few classic CAD Manager columns and their timeless advice. This column was originally published on September 11, 2013.

In "Record Your Own CAD Training Videos" and "Create CAD Training Videos Using the Latest Technology," I showed you how to create your own training videos using Camtasia recording software. Of course, technical know-how isn't enough — you'll only be able to create great videos if you start with a good lesson plan. For that matter, carefully planning your lessons is always the foundation for delivering great training presentations, whether you record them or not.

So in this issue, we'll focus on tips and tricks for building great lessons; these will be helpful regardless of which format you use to deliver them. Here goes.

Promote Your Topics Positively

The first part of building a great lesson is to pick a topic people want to learn about and promote it properly. For example, let's look at a common topic, CAD standards, and see how to correctly position the lesson to get maximum attention from potential attendees.

First, start with a clear, concise title that focuses on how the course will benefit the trainees, such as, "Get Your Job Done Faster with Standards." Avoid using a negative tone — nobody wants to attend a session called "The Drudgery of CAD Standards Explained"!

Next, write a brief description paragraph so interested parties can learn more about what will be in the course:

In this short video course, you'll see how to set up your projects with time-saving automated standard routines to speed you through generating reports and PDF project outputs.

Steer clear of jargon, technobabble, and alienating acronyms:

You'll learn how to create project directories and attach xref files to DWG-based files using VISRETAIN layer manipulations to interface to plotting scripts run from within the PUBLISH command.

I'm actually saying the same thing in both paragraphs, but the first example describes results, action, and a positive outcome. The second paragraph makes most people's eyes glaze over.

These may seem like small details, but if your course title and description aren't accessible and engaging, people won't want to attend your class or watch your video. Read more »
 

:: Resources

Straight Talk About Autodesk Subscription
Before you make your next software licensing decision, understand the facts behind the changes and your options going forward. Download this paper to learn more about what's happening, how licensing changes affect you, and what your options are. This paper includes customer perspectives and links to additional resources. Written by the editors of Cadalyst; sponsored by Autodesk.

CIMdata White Paper Addresses Solid Edge Data Management
CIMdata, a product lifecycle management (PLM) strategic consulting and research firm, has released a new white paper on Siemens PLM Software's Solid Edge ST9 integration with Teamcenter for data management and collaboration. According to CIMdata, folder-based file management cannot support a productive design environment.
 

:: What's New at Cadalyst.com

As Mobile Options Multiply, Onshape Keeps Burden of Calculation in the Cloud
Apple iPad Pro and Pencil expand the roster of lightweight hardware that gives users access to full Onshape functionality in the field. Read more »

Autodesk ReMake Creates 3D Meshes from Reality Capture Data
Cloud-powered solution combines high-definition output with an interface that's accessible to everyone, including users new to modeling software. Read more »

Video Tip: Get the Most out of Your AutoCAD Galleries
In AutoCAD 2015, Autodesk added the great new Gallery feature for improving Insert, Dimension Styles, Table Styles, etc. Are you using Galleries? And if so, are you getting the most out of them? In this video tip from Cadalyst and Lynn Allen, you'll learn the ins and outs of Galleries! Watch the video »