By Elvis R. Sverko
With the recent release of the 2013 Autodesk software, there are many great reasons to upgrade to it. But I’m not going to describe the new features in them now. We’ll have other posts for some of that. I’d like to focus on why instructors of the software should be interested in it.
First of all, it’s in the agreement. (Well, something to the effect of not using outdated software, but I’m not getting into the details of it here, if you agreed to it, you should be aware of it.)
Secondly, with the latest software, comes the latest file format. You don’t want to be stuck not being able to read a client’s files because they use the latest version, and your old antiquated version can’t read it. Asking them to save back doesn’t put much confidence in your abilities.
Not to mention, what would a client who is on the latest version of the software, think about learning the old version? They would wonder what they might be missing. Again, doesn’t look very good for you.
But not only the latest version and file format, you can’t forget the latest interoperability with other 3rd party files. Oh yeah! Many upgrades here. From point clouds, to STL, to updated translators. The list is huge. Your version of the software had better be able to talk to everyone else out there.
With more and more of the software adding and improving the marking menu and mini-toolbar, getting used to and familiar with the user interface is definitely an advantage for you. As an instructor, you need to be comfortable with this aspect, so upgrade soon, so you have more time to get used to it. Your students need to see you as an expert with it.
And who hasn’t heard of Autodesk 360? The latest version of the software is directly connected to these excellent online services. With online document storage, you can teach your class from anywhere. And Autodesk Exchange Apps is also a great resource for apps for the software.
Again, I’m not going to get into any detail on specific software feature upgrades or new commands, but rest assured, there are plenty of them in the latest version of Autodesk’s softwares, that you’ll be well pleased.
Oh sure, the latest version of software might have some bugs. But don’t let that fear stop you. Autodesk goes through much beta testing with many of its users (including me), that those freak occurrences are mostly eliminated. And the new version most likely even fixed some bugs from the older version. But when was the last time a software bug halted the world anyway? Y2k? Yeah, my clock didn’t even flinch.
Students want to learn what is new, and how to use it. Odds are you’re instructing people who already know and use the software, but they want training on the new features. You’d better be ready.
Finally, why would you not want to be teaching the latest and the greatest software?
It’s OK to make mistakes, but don’t make the mistake of not trying something new. Upgrade to the newest version of the software, and get to know what it has to offer.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new” - Albert Einstein
By Elvis R. Sverko
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