Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/16269
Education Supplement ested in learning more about how Autodesk software is used in the industry. “At every major trade show (GDC, NAB, SIG- GRAPH, IBC, and so forth), we broadcast our own and our cus- tomers’ presentations live from the booth, streaming to the Web so the whole world can enjoy them,” Goldfi nch explains. “After a show, we’ll also host the content for our community to watch at their convenience.” The AREA is also home to Autodesk’s online Master Class- es, where visitors can learn from industry experts. “There are hundreds of online tutorials for all our products, and there are galleries where artists can post their work and receive feedback. Our Autodesk experts (application engineers and product managers) also use their blogs to communicate with customers—you can fi nd out some great information that way,” says Goldfi nch. Adobe education and industry experts conduct free eSem- inars and OnDemand Seminars about using Adobe software. During live sessions, Adobe experts impart new ways to pre- pare engaging curriculums, teach essential digital commu- nication skills, empower students to creatively express what they’ve learned, simplify complex concepts, and improve communication, says a company representative. Further, Adobe has partnered with Total Training to provide online training to help educators and their students in K–12 classes and higher-education courses acquire Adobe skills. Other vendors are committed to software training, as well. NewTek features free, online, Flash-based instructional videos on its Web site that provide LightWave 3D training. Luxology, maker of Modo, boasts so many free, online train- ing videos—more than 200, in fact—that its training Web site is Luxology.TV. More than three years ago, Luxology launched a dedicated training division, which is headed by Andy Brown. The company also off ers roughly two dozen project- based, commercial training courses in HD video. More than 60 percent of Modo users take advantage of these commer- cial videos, which range from the construction of a shoe, to a cartoon character, to a race car. Cineversity is the online video training site of Maxon USA, provider of Cinema 4D and other software solutions. Cine- versity features more than 300 free video tutorials for all users, and more than 1500 video tutorials for subscribers. Cinever sity 1on1, on the other hand, is one-on-one, online, live training provided in two- to three-hour blocks. “It is designed to com- bine the convenience of ‘anytime, anywhere’ training with the eff ectiveness of a hands-on approach,” explains Paul Babb, president and CEO of Maxon USA. The fee-based, on-demand service also can be helpful for project assistance, aiding a user as he or she works through a production issue. Maxon’s Cineversity Live involves bi-weekly, live Webcasts, each of which includes an overview of the newest tutorials on Cine- versity, a live tip or technique, and interactive Q&A. Graham Toms, 3D education specialist at NewTek, considers Webinars to be a great way to instruct and lecture students. “Using the TriCaster product, for example, NewTek can eas- ily showcase tips-and-tricks scenarios in a Webinar environ- ment to easily educate artists on the features and strengths of 18 • Education Supplement • July 2010 Maxon’s Cineversity provides online training videos for the company’s Cinema 4D software, as well as other tools. The site off ers many tutorials free of charge, in addition to a host of others that are available for subscribers. the forum at one time or another,” reveals Bob Bennett, vice president of Luxology. Maxon executives are harnessing the power of social media and promoting Cineversity news on Twitter. Cineversity educa- tional off erings, such as new tutorials, are tweeted regularly. “We use Facebook and Twitter to keep the Autodesk com- munity up to date and informed about everything that is go- ing on at Autodesk,” notes Goldfi nch, who recommends read- ers fan and follow Autodesk Media & Entertainment for all the latest info, including events, new product announcements, blog updates, and industry happenings. On-site Training A broad range of artists still prefer more traditional education- al venues, when schedules and budgets allow. Adobe, in part- nership with Knowledge Network Solutions (KNS), off ers in- structor-led workshops that focus on integrating Adobe tools into school curriculums. “The KNS Create Course Series leads K–12 and higher education faculty through the process of us- ing Adobe software in project-based 21st century classroom learning,” says a representative. For the sake of convenience, KNS instructors will travel to schools to lead the workshops. NewTek regularly hosts and is open to conducting seminars and real-world student projects at universities, art schools, LightWave 3D,” says Toms. “Web-based training and Webinars are a vital component in education and an ideal way for stu- dios and artists to share in the production pipeline.” Added Innovations Some technology fi rms are embracing new media, including social and networking outlets and handheld devices, to help enhance artists’ expertise. Each week, Luxology posts a “modcast” on the company Web site and iTunes. Modcasts, all hosted by Luxology presi- dent Brad Peebler, often present tips and tricks for using Modo. The company’s Web site boasts more than 130,000 registered members and is home to the Luxology Forum, featuring a lively exchange of information and work-in-progress projects. “Almost any Modo topic imaginable has been discussed on