AutoCAD 2011

[#1]

Hi All,

I try to post a monthly AutoCAD tip to my users to help them with the little things. Sometimes the tips are company related but mostly they're just bare AutoCAD stuff.

This month, to lighten it up a little, i created a word search for AutoCAD commands. Since this took a little more time than i expected, i thought i would share it with others so here it is.

And if anyone cares to share how they motivate their CAD users to keep learning, i would appreciate helpful tips from one CAD manager to another.

Sal

[#2]

It may be hard to get buy in on this one, but I have taken part in lunch and learn type sessions that can be quite productive.  Have everyone bring their lunch, or order pizza, and then have one or two of your staff present a little something that they have learned or a process that they use personally.  I have found that most people use ACAD slightly differently and they rarely share their personal software nuances; they assume that everyone must do it this way...  

New features can be tied in to these sessions as well.  When the new product ships, there are always ADSK white papers that list all of the new features.  Have your staff pic out some favorites and present them.

They will learn really well by teaching other people. 

[#3]

We also do the lunch and learn sessions but i can't get anyone to volunteer to teach so i'm left holding the (lunch) bag.

Any suggestions on how to encourage them to participate?

[#4]

I don't use the word "teach" and it seems to work. As you noted, all of us do things differently but assume everyone does it just like us: I watch how everyone does everything and take notes for later get togethers. I ask the user about their particular method of doing something while at their desk, get them to tell me why they do it and it's benefits, then I suggest they 'demonstrate' their method to the others and have an open discussion about it.

No method is right or wrong, fast or slow, I allow the user to 'show it off' and open it for discussion with the others. Many times peer-suggestions go a long way to influence change (or adoption if the method is worthy).

We keep it light and friendly, no one 'teaches', we just share-and-learn and socialize. I have no shortage of volunteers wanting to share (or complain and seek help with) tips and methodologies in AutoCAD. We meet regularly and have AutoCAD up on the big screen for live demonstrations.

[#5]

Hi Dean,

I like your idea to refrain from using the word "teach" and i'll give it a try.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Sal