Obviously different techniques for learning work for different people. What are the better ways you've learned new skills out here in adult land?
I'm looking to expand myself and learn some new skills this year. Mostly computer related, at least during these frigid winter months.
I noticed for another week all classes at udemy are $10.99. I've never actually bought a class from them before, so I'm not sure how it works. Looks like videos, pdfs, and some workshop exercises. Has anyone taken any classes from there? Is there even a method for asking questions or clarification or do you just get a zip file of the lesson and a "good luck"?
I'm familiar with instructional videos on YouTube, but when it comes to things I don't know about, I have trouble filtering the bullE36 M3 from the good E36 M3, so to speak. Obviously, the benefits of YouTube are that it's free, and the interactive comment section allows for asking questions, but leaves questionable answers as a real possibility.
Most expensive and probably most comprehensive is a continuing education stand alone class at the local community college. But, I'm not sure the subjects I'm interested in are available online, and I have scheduling conflicts with the classroom classes, so it's kind of a last resort.
Specifically, my current interest is learning fusion 360 or 3d modeling in autocad. I'm lucky enough to own both programs, and I can do some pretty basic 2d design with autocad, but translating into 3d objects is where I get lost, especially if the goal is a printable shape.
So what are the hives experienced with adult education? Anything/place I forgot or should be aware of?
Mndsm
MegaDork
1/4/18 10:47 a.m.
When I want to learn Some thing, I turn to YouTube. I'm a very visual learner. If I see it, I can replicate it. Like the time I built the Japanese rc car from pictures because the instructions were in....Japanese. It's a matter of preference, really. The only caveat to that is YouTube doesn't teach the method, only the specific instance. So, it'll teach me sugar cookies, but it won't teach me how to cookie in general, or why cookies do cookie stuff.
Google for discussions between hiring managers for who/what they have any regard for.
My background is mostly software, and I went to school before the recent "code schools" caught on. Some are good, some less so, and how they're regarded by the folks who do the hiring is probably the most important bit for someone choosing one. I'd say the same almost certainly applies for CAD.
Dave said:
https://www.lynda.com/ is decent for technology learnings but non-free.
This is the resource we use at work, but we are also like a ~5000 employee company under the umbrella of a 150,000 employee database/IT/Cloud company. So I have no idea on price.
I’ve found youtube helpful sometimes, but often it’s sketchy. Any idiot can upload a YouTube video. Trust me, it’s really easy, idiot proof in fact.
on the other hand, there is some great stuff there. When I wanted to learn welding, welding tips and tricks was very helpful. The only problem is it’s prerecorded and you can’t ask questions like you could in an actual class, and he isn’t there watching you do it and seeing what you do wrong. That’s where community college helps. Actual eyes on what you are doing. It’s like having a racing instructor versus reading a book and trying it out on iracing.
edit: best methods per dollar probably involve finding/making a friend with the knowledge/skills you want to learn and bribing them with beer to show you. Beer *after*, however, you don’t want a drunk instructor
WCCC has a CAD/ CAM AAS and a Mech Drafing/ Design AAS but no certificate program. Prolly a lotta time and money in classes you don't need if you only want into 3D.
CCAC South has a Basic CAD certificate program: https://www.ccac.edu/Computer_Aided_Drafting_Basic.aspx CAD related classes only.
I was over halfway through Mech Drafting/ Design at WCCC when I took a semester off and never went back. I was missing too much OT $$. It's a pretty good school, I'd do it over again if I was younger tho.
Or, like Paul said, find a 3D tutor and pay in ribs n beer.
