1. the highest point or part, as of a hill, a line of travel, or any object; top; apex.
2. the highest point of attainment or aspiration: the summit of one’s ambition.
3. the highest state or degree.

I really like parts of all 3 of the definitions of summit; apex, aspiration, state.  Summit make me think of something lofty that you look towards.  The intent of the SolidWorks User Group (SWUGN) Technical Summits is to give users of all levels a day of training from fellow users of SolidWorks and also a chance to casually network with your peers.  So why haven’t you attended a SWUGN Technical Summit?  With a total fee of just $40 which covers multiple training sessions, breakfast AND lunch, how can you go wrong.   I’ve enjoyed the privelege of attending 3 SolidWorks Technical Summits over the past 3 years and I have presented at 2 of them.  My latest escapade involved a fellow SolidWorks user, teacher, user group leader and all around Good Egg, Randall Bock.  I met Randall at SolidWorks World 2009 in Orlando and we became quick friends.  He mentioned that one of the SWUGN Technical Summits was going to be held in his stomping grounds (Penn State University) in June.  When I arrived home from World, I asked my wife how she felt about spending our vacation in Pennsylvania.  We agreed it would be nice to see since there was so much to experience and we had never been there.  This way we could mark another state off our maps.  Fast forward to May.  After getting a short scare from work that a project may be due, it wasn’t, I finalized my travel plans for the Happy Valley Summit.  Randall and family (Brenda, Sarah and Evan) were nice enough to invite us to their family farm for a day of leisure after our long drive in.  The weather was great and we had a fantastic day (thanks again Brenda, that strawberry cake I won’t soon forget)!

Building a Volcano

Yum! Milkshakes

 

Summit day!

 Tuesday started with a brisk walk from my hotel to the on campus venue called the HUB.  I helped with the setup as did some of the other presenters and some of Randall’s students.  Richard Doyle (SWUGN himself) was getting the opening session ready to go.  The expected turnout was in excess of 90 so we were all excited.  Breakfast was served and Richard jumped right in at 8:00 to kick everything off. 

 

HVSWUG Summit is open!

Breakfast is served

Richard addressing the attendees

At 8:45 it was time to let the fun begin.  Session 1 included Assemblies  with Greg Yohn of DesignPoint Solutionsand Simulation with Randall Bock. Session 2 included Mold Design with Mike Puckett of SolidWorks Corp and PDM with Mike Sabocheck of SolidWorks Corp.  Lunch was from 11: 30 to 1 and lots of great door prises were given away including a FREE Pass to SolidWorks World 2010 in Anaheim, Ca.  Are you still wondering why you should attend?  The afternoon kicked off and session 3 included Drawings  with yours truly Richard Hall from WestWind Technologies (and also NASWUG) and Sheet Metal with Jeff Beardsley of Prism Engineering.  Session 4 included CAD Management with Richard Doyle of SolidWorks Corp. and Rendering  with Arthur Young-Spivey of CADD Edge.  Closing out the day in session 5 was Surfacing with Muggs Ferguson of John Ferguson Design and Weldments with Timothy Theiler of CADDWorks.  Each session had great content and I was able to get photos of all the sessions except for Sheet Metal which was the same time I was presenting (sorry Jeff).  Maybe someone else has a picture they can share?

Session 1 Assemblies with Greg Yohn

Session 1 Simulation with Randall Bock

Session 2 Mold Design with Mike Puckett

Session 2 PDM with Mike Sabocheck

Lunch Buffet

Nothing was left of the lunch buffet after the attendees went through.  I would like to say the food was great personally but, I was prepping for my session and when I came out to get a quick bite, the pans were empty as if someone had licked them clean or sopped them with loaf bread.  Oh well, it’s not like I couldn’t go without a meal or 2, maybe next time?

 

Session 3 Drawings with Rich Hall

 

Session 3 Sheet Metal with Jeff Beardsley

Session 4 CAD Management with Richard Doyle

Session 4 Rendering with Arthur Young-Spivey

Session 5 Surfacing with Muggs Ferguson

Man, I should have finished this last night.

"so three men walk into a bar....."

I know it’s been a while since I have posted here, but life has been in the way.  Work has been very busy and I have been prepping for the summit presentation, along with my wife completing another school year teaching.  My girls have their extracurricular events and  other things.  Please know that I am working on several new “Educators Corner” pieces and I will be blogging and tweeting from the summit next week as time allows.  See you soon,

A couple of months ago, I started asking around my network for educators who might like to get some coverage here on the Educators Corner.  Richard Doyle, our great SWUGN leader and recent winner of 2009 CAD Society Joe Greco Community Award, sent me a list of people and my next guest was one of the folks listed.   When I say that Tony Cantrell is an experienced guy, I’m not exaggerating in the least.  When you read the following excerpt from his resume you’ll see just what I mean. 

1973 – 2008  Design & Drafting

Thirty-five years experience in design and drafting of mechanical, facilities, product and civil drawings.  Experience includes board drafting, Anvil4000, Cornerstone, Mainframe Cadam, Professional Cadam, MicroCadam, Helix Design System, AutoCad R14Lite to 2004, and Solid Works 99 to 2008.  Geometric Tolerance & Dimensioning.  Hands on experience in machine shop practices, and field construction.  Office Skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Visio, Architectural Graphic Standards, Means and Pulsar estimating systems.  Operating Systems: IBM Mainframe, Unix, AIX, Dos, and Windows 3.x, 95, 98, NT, 2000, 2000me, XP.

RH: I’m glad to have you on Educators Corner, Please tell me about Tony Cantrell (TC). 

TC: I went to school at Midlands Technical College for Industrial Drafting (This was all drawing board and slide rule; no calculator).  I currently teach at Midlands Technical College NE Campus doing continuing education classes using SolidWorks.  I am the user group leader for the Palmetto SolidWorks User Group and we are having a user group meeting April 20, 2009.  If you are interested in attending please contact me at the email link HERE.

Tony Cantrell

RH: Do you have any industry experience?  

TC: My current job, since 2000, is with Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel Company Columbia, S.C. where I Design/Draft/Model Various product parts.  I also assist engineering in design, build testing and installation of equipment, fixtures, tooling, gage components and product.

RH: What led you to become a teacher and why SolidWorks?

TC: I really enjoy watching the light bulb go on when someone understands something, and with SolidWorks, it is just a matter of time.

RH: How long have you been teaching?

TC: Just about three years now.

RH: What SolidWorks certifications if any do you currently hold?

TC: CSWP 2005, CSWA

RH: What are your classes (age range and/or skill level)

TC: Continuing Education (SolidWorks the basics, Engineering Design, Drawing and Detailing) all adults ages 18 and up.

RH: What is a typical classroom day like for you?

TC: My classes are in the evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, I generally start with an introduction to SolidWorks and me, and then off to the modeling.

RH: What is your preferred teaching method?

TC: I like to start by showing the basic steps and then turn them loose and watch what happens.

RH: What method of teaching SolidWorks have you found to be successful?

TC: So far, what I stated above seems to work, occasionally I have to spend a little more time with some students.

RH: What curriculum and industry standards do you teach?

TC: The curriculum is Continuing Education, as far as standards, I would say mainly ANSI but I do answer questions about ISO when asked.

RH: How do you use the SolidWorks Educator resources and curriculum in teaching your class?

TC: Currently, I am teaching from the SDC books written by David and Marie Planchard. I do go out to the educator site for ideas and techniques.

RH: Do you have any work from the students or from your curriculum that you are able to and would like to share? 

TC: I do not save any of the models, but I use the exercises from the textbooks by SDC Publications mentioned above.  

RH: What industry do you teach for or what is the prevalent industry in your area that would eventually hire a SolidWorks trained person?

TC: I do not target any industry.  As far as the industries around; this is a list of companies in our general area:

RH: What universities or community colleges are nearby that your students would attend and pursue a course of study with SolidWorks application?

TC: Clemson University, University of South Carolina, multiple TECH schools

RH: Have you attended SolidWorks World? If so, what was beneficial from a teaching standpoint?

TC: Yes, Orlando twice and New Orleans.  This past year was the first from an educator standpoint and for me, meeting Marie Planchard was a highlight.

RH: Will your school board or current school be willing to fund a trip for you to SolidWorks World? 

TC: I really doubt that, since I am an Adjunct Instructor and not full time.

RH: Knowing that most school systems are in desperate financial situations, do you feel that there will be continued support for teaching SolidWorks and CAD drafting skills. 

TC: As long as there is a demand for educated people in these fields, then tech schools will try to offer these courses.

RH: How important do you feel that teaching CAD/drafting skills is for the future of engineering and industry in general?

TC: I believe it is imperative that we teach these skills, if we don’t, how will we progress?

RH: What are the biggest challenges you face in teaching SolidWorks/drafting?

TC: Getting more classes.

RH: What are some goals for your future and do you always plan on teaching?

TC: As long as I am able, I will probably teach these classes or until they run me off.  My goals are to have fun and show others how much fun design can be.

Tony,

Thank you for taking the time to share with everyone.   

Stay Tuned for more from the Educators Corner featuring SolidWorks!

 It’s amazing who you can meet at SolidWorks World where a whole bunch of like minded folks get together.  Right after breakfast on Monday morning of day 1, Gary Hall (my brother of no relation) and I were headed up to get in line for the general session.  As we approached what we thought would be a good entrance point, Gary said hey I know those guys.  We walked over and got in line where I was introduced to Randall Bock and Wescott Pusey.  I found out from our conversations that they were SolidWorks teachers at Pennsylvania State University, better know as Penn State or PSU.  I also found out that they were running the Happy Valley SolidWorks User Group on campus.  Throught the week we kept in touch through Twitter and email and Randall ( @randllbock ) told me that one of the SWUGN summits was going to be hosted by HVSWUG later in the year.  Details have not been released on the Happy Valley Summit yet but the date has been set for June, 16 2009.  I have never been to Pennsylvania so it sounds like a good road trip to me.  I am planning on taking my family up on vacation in June and attending the Summit.  Randall has a lot of dynamic ideas and projects he has shared with us here at Educators Corner.  Be sure you take a look at what the next generation of SolidWorks students are learning at a major university. 

Randall Bock

Rich Hall (RH): Hi Randall.  Why don’t you share a little about yourself.

Randall Bock (RB): I currently hold a BS, MS in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Penn State.  In my day job I am an Engineering Associate and Affiliate Instructor at The Pennsylvania State University in the area of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.  In my area of core responsibility, I work with faculty and students in the design and implementation of teaching, research, and outreach programs. The engineering and agricultural challenges being studied are wide ranging: bioreactors, food-born pathogens, particulate mechanics, natural resource conservation, structural and mechanical design, food and biomass processing, agricultural health and safety, ethanol production, computer modeling and simulation, and nano-technologies.  My night job is Continuing Education Instructor at The Pennsylvania State University at University Park where I develop and instruct coursework for EDSGN 496A: SolidWorks Fundamentals (3 credits).  Virtually all products manufactured in modern facilities begin as three dimensional computer models (3D-CAD).  SolidWorks has approximately 800,000 licensed seats worldwide and is the most accessible 3D-CAD application at Penn State.  This course delivers the methods and techniques necessary to become proficient in the application of SolidWorks for product design and manufacturing.  The SolidWorks corporate certification exam is included. Advanced topics on weldments, sheet metal, and finite element analysis are covered. 

RH: What led you to become a teacher and why SolidWorks?

RB: Up until 2006 I was using AutoCAD to do 3D solid modeling.  One of my students showed me SolidWorks.  I stopped AutoCAD, dove into SolidWorks and never looked back.  The software changed nearly every aspect of my job.  Design became fun and life got better.  Much of my work is developing prototype equipment for research.  Now with SolidWorks I have the ability to design and analyze using the same package.  Before my class was developed, Penn State did not offer a rigorous course in 3D modeling.  Freshmen engineering students were doing the SolidWorks tutorials as part of a general engineering class and other students we doing the Pro/E tutorials.  In general I found that the software was under utilized.  This fantastic engineering teaching tool was available but no one was using it.

RH: How long have you been teaching?

RB: I started teaching in Spring 2008 with 20 students.  The class has grown to 40 students in two sections with broad interest among under graduate students, graduate students, engineering professors and returning adult students.

RH: Why do you teach CAD with SolidWorks?

RB: Penn State has 500 EDU licenses that are available in all University computer labs through out the Penn State system.  Students new to SolidWorks can achieve CSWA level proficiency in one semester.

RH: What SolidWorks certifications do you currently hold?

RB: I passed the CSWA, CSWP, and plan to take the CSWP-CDES this Spring.  I am also a CSWA provider. 

RH: What are your classes (age range and/or skill level)

RB: The age range is from college freshmen to 65 year old professors.  Most have tried the software but they all lack the knowledge required to make elegant parts and assemblies.  Symmetry, design intent, multi body, and in context modeling are all new concepts. 

RH: What is a typical classroom day like for you? 

RB: I work as a research engineer during the day and teach in the evenings for continuing education.

RH: What is your preferred teaching method? What method of teaching SolidWorks have you found to be successful? 

RB: Since student learn differently, I teach using a variety of methods:

• Standard lecture for new information
• Follow the leader: for detailed modeling techniques or complex features 
• In class challenge assignments
• Timed quizzes: to prepare them for the CSWA
• Homework assignments: I encourage them to work together
• Midterm project: consisting of 8 parts minimum
• Final Project: assembling the parts from the midterm project, producing drawings and doing FEA. 

RH: What curriculum and industry standards do you teach? 

RB: I developed my own curriculum which using what I call “Basic Strategy”  (Blackjack inspired terminology).  This Basic Strategy presents good habits, best practices, and reinforces the basics: design intent, symmetry, constraints, etc.  I have found that students really need the knowledge of experienced users.  Good design practices and strategies normally come from experience; I try to give it to them in the classroom.  I tell them that as a goal: 80% of producing a 3D modeling happens in their head and that pushing the keys is the instant gratification / detail phase. 

RH: How do you use the SolidWorks Educator resources and curriculum in teaching your class? 

RB: The SWE resources are project based.  I start the students with the basics.  I feel making impressive looking parts in the beginning diverts attention away from fundamental modeling techniques.  So I have them start by making very simple shapes.  Then later after they have learned the tools one at a time, they are assigned progressively more complex parts.  After they can make complex parts, I have them pick a project.  I emphasize that the project should have some value to them personally or should otherwise be connected to a project in another class. 

RH: Do you have any work from the students you are able to and would like to share?

To view the following files you must have eDrawings for SolidWorks.  Please click the free Download link below:  

bale-compactor

Bike Project

Bike Project 2

Buick Engine Project

Crossbow Project

Food Processor Project

Go Kart

Hit/Miss Engine Project

Little Digger Project

Mouse Trap Game Project

Paint Marker Project

Pinball Machine Project

PSU Wrist Watch Project

Pump Project

Running Shoe Project

RH: What industry do you teach for or what is the prevalent industry in your area that would eventually hire a SolidWorks trained person?

RB: I do not teach for any particular industry although most student are in mechanical or aerospace engineering.

RH: What universities or community colleges are nearby that your students would attend and pursue a course of study with SolidWorks application?

RB: Penn State is it.  We are in central PA there is nothing else for miles!

RH: Have you attended SolidWorks World? If so, what was beneficial from a teaching standpoint?

RB: I attended SWW 2009.  This was a great networking and learning opportunity for me!  I am hooked!  I am already planning for Anaheim.

RH: Will your school board or current school be willing to fund a trip for you to SolidWorks World?

RB: So far this hasn’t been a problem.   Penn State supports my trip to SWW as professional development. 

RH: Knowing that most school systems are in desperate financial situations, do you feel that there will be continued support for teaching SolidWorks and CAD drafting skills? 

RB: At Penn State… if it makes money they will let you do anything.  I need to recruit more adult students.  Possibly the Engineering Stimulus will help!

RH: How important do you feel that teaching CAD/drafting skills is for the future of engineering and industry in general?

RB: It is absolutely essential for engineers of all disciplines to have a strong foundation in 3D CAD and analysis.  Many of my students receive job offers based on the classroom training and CSWA.

RH: What are the biggest challenges you face in teaching SolidWorks/drafting?

RB: Having the time and energy to do my daytime job and then get charged up to teach from 6-9pm. 

RH: What are some goals for your future and do you always plan on teaching?

RB: I started the local SWUG because I found that classroom experience isn’t enough.  Students need contact with real world projects and the opportunity to present their solutions.  I hope the Happy Valley SolidWorks User Group can provide an educational and networking resource for Penn State students and local industry.

We are hosting a SWUGN Summit on June 16, at Penn State (State College, PA).  Please watch the SWUGN web site for further details.  Please feel invited to join us for a great time in Happy Valley!

Randall,

Thanks for taking the time to share with me at Educators Corner.  I am looking forward to visiting you in June!

Stay Tuned for more from the Educators Corner featuring SolidWorks!

 ” The good you do today, people will often forgot tomorrow; Do good anyway.”……..!!!!!!  This is the tag on my next guests email.  When you look out on the SolidWorks Forums, you’ll find him there.  When you log into SolidWorks Geeks, you’ll find him there.  At these sites you’ll find him as well: Yahoo SolidWorks group, Google SWcad group, Comp.cad.solidworks, Angelsix forum and the MNSUG yahoo group.  “I comment/contribute on these groups/forums as I’m always learning a new thing and wanted to share what I have learned during my life time.“  In this edition of Educators Corner, I will be talking to Deepak Gupta (DG).  Deepak currently works with a multi-national company in their design centre in New Delhi, India.

DG: I used to visit engineering colleges and industries to train students /people. I was involved in this training while I was associated with a SolidWorks VAR.  I am planning to start my own training school (part time).  I have a 4 year advanced diploma in Die & Mould from Indo Swiss Training Centre, Chandigarh, India. 

Check out Deepak’s Webpage Boxer’s Blog 

Deepak Gupta

RH: Do you have any industry experience? 

DG: I have around 8 years of experience working in different companies and on different products.  I have been in design, R&D, production, tool room and vendor development.

RH: What led you to become a trainer and why SolidWorks?

DG: I wanted to learn SolidWorks for myself and this led me to be involved in training others.

RH: How long have you been training?

DG: I did that for almost 1 year.

RH: What SolidWorks certifications if any do you currently hold?

DG: CSWA, CSWP, CSWPSMTL (For details of these Certifications, see the SolidWorks Certification Site)

RH: What are your classes like when you train?

DG: All the students were 18+ and include Engineering students, Industry beginners, 2D Cad users and 3D Cad users of software other than SolidWorks.

RH: What is your preferred teaching method? 

DG: Providing useful examples while demonstrating commands/options.  I prefer using practical examples from industry and day to day life while training.

RH: What curriculum do you teach?

DG: I make my own curriculum depending on the user level and needs.  I usually teach the basics of SolidWorks depending on the need.  I will teach sheet metal, surfacing, weldments and animation, but just a basic overview of the these tools. 

RH: What is the prevalent industry in your area that would eventually hire a SolidWorks trained person?

DG: Mechanical industries mostly involving design and analysis work.

RH: Have you attended SolidWorks World? 

DG: Not yet. Was planning to this year but due to some personal issues I could not make it.

RH: Do you feel that there will be continued support for teaching SolidWorks and CAD drafting skills?  If so, is it short term or long term support?

DG: Yes and it will be long term support.

RH: How important do you feel that teaching CAD/drafting skills is for the future of engineering and industry in general?

DG: It is very important.  Today every industry needs trained/skilled people and no one has time and funding to train employees after they are hired.  Some one needs to do this job (training people) and this has to be done at the institutional level.

RH: What are the biggest challenges you face in teaching SolidWorks/drafting?

DG: Sometimes the people using other 3D software packages start comparing the options in the software and start making opinions of the software compared to SolidWorks

RH: What are some goals for your future?

DG: I will keep working in my present field.

Deepak,

Thanks for your time.  I really appreciate your input and am glad to know there are other passionate SolidWorks people around the world!

Rich

Stay Tuned for more from the Educators Corner featuring SolidWorks!

Richard Hall (RH): Hi Adam. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m Adam Scheible (AS).  As a child, I had a fascination with engineering. More specifically, I liked process engineering and eventually took a drafting class in middle school. I continued this pursuit by attending Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Oregon, then started classes for mechanical engineering. In 1996 I started working full time for a local Medical/Dental manufacturer. I became active in the Portland Area SolidWorks User Group, and was elected as their leader for three years. Over the past three years I have taught at both Portland Community and Clackamas Community Colleges. Currently I teach one or two SolidWorks classes weekly at Portland Community College. You can follow me on Twitter at @adamiser. 

Adam Scheible

RH: Do you have any industry experience? If so what and/or who with?

AS: I work full time for Beaverstate Dental, a Medical/Dental manufacturer in Newberg, Oregon. I have been there since 1996, and manage Sustaining Engineering and Quality Control. I also do various contracting/consulting jobs with local companies. This full time involvement in industry enables me to stay on the edge of the daily workings of the SolidWorks program, community, and processes.

RH: What led you to become a teacher?

AS: I have always enjoyed teaching and mentoring. When I made the case to purchase SolidWorks at Beaverstate Dental in 2002, I joined the local SolidWorks user group. I was an active participant and presenter, and became the user group leader in 2005. I held that position until December 2008 when I needed to give more time to my family and teaching.  (Richard Doyle’s comments on Adam)   

RH: Why do you teach CAD with SolidWorks?

AS: Why SolidWorks? That’s easy, it’s my professional tool of choice. I can have more done at the end of the day with SolidWorks.

RH: How long have you been teaching?

AS: I have taught at the college level for three years. I have been an active member of PASWUG for seven years, and continue to be supportive of the growing SolidWorks community through work, schools, and social media.

RH: Why do you teach CAD with SolidWorks?

AS: I teach SolidWorks because of the culture of both the SolidWorks/Dassault company and SolidWorks community. It’s what I use in industry and what I believe in. Basically it’s the best tool for my daily livelihood.

RH: What SolidWorks certifications if any do you currently hold?

AS: I don’t have any certifications, but am trying to get the nerve up to take my Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) test before the summer break.

RH: What are your classes (age range and/or skill level)

AS: My student’s range from young adults to older, transitioning adults. Their skill level is across the board too. Most are working toward their BSME, but some are just trying to add to their skill set. Needless to say the classes are in high demand by everyone and we had to add another session this term. The popularity of SolidWorks is showing its relevance in all aspects of industry. This diversity is shown in each of my classes.

RH: What is a typical classroom day like for you?

AS: I work full time, and teach two nights per week. So, after a day at the office, I open the lab at 5:00pm to let my student’s work/learn/ask. I start teaching at 6:00pm and usually lecture for two hours. The next two hours are work time where I canvas the room helping students individually. I conclude my day at 10:00pm and then drive home to have dinner and kiss my sleeping kids goodnight. I repeat as necessary.

RH: What is your preferred teaching method? What method of teaching SolidWorks have you found to be successful?

AS: I have tried various textbooks and found strengths and weaknesses with all of them. Like Marc Nelson I used the SolidWorks Mountain Board project for a few terms. However, since I use SolidWorks professionally on a daily basis, I could not endorse some of the methods it presented. So, I wrote my own book and augment this with annotated video tutorials. Most importantly, I teach the “big picture” instead of button pushing. I’ve created my own version of the essentials course. I try to set up each lecture in three stages. 1) Key ideas outlined in a bulleted list. 2) Scripted example as a step by step lecture showing each button press. 3) Workflow example showing methodologies and thought process. 1, 2, 3 that’s it. Oh, I’m also a PowerPoint hater, and never use it.

RH: What curriculum and industry standards do you teach?

AS: Academically, I don’t have any curriculum standards. Likewise, I don’t have to teach to any industrial standard because I don’t just cater to drafting students. I’ve had students from mechanical engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing; so I try to focus on SolidWorks functionality instead of a specific industry or standard. That’s not to say they won’t learn drafting standards, but there is more to SolidWorks than drafting.

RH: How do you use the SolidWorks Educator resources and curriculum in teaching your class?

AS: For a long time the SolidWorks Educator resources were on the installation DVDs. However, the school IT department does the install before classes start. So, I never saw the materials offered. Then, there was a time that those resources were made available on the website and I was able to grab the mountain board project. However, this fall the SolidWorks website went through a major overhaul and the educator resources were not available. So, I don’t use the educator resources. Did I mention I tried the Mountain Board project two terms a while back? I could tell you more about it off the record. I just like to do things my own way. However, I see that content has been added to the SolidWorks Educators Blog, so I’ll have to check it out.

RH: Do you have any work from the students you are able to and would like to share? (pictures or models)

AS: I feel I should ask students permission before I share any of their intellectual property or projects, but I can tell you about our core classroom project. I build my class around a simple Lego set. Each piece we model illustrates various SolidWorks tools and functionality. We assemble the blocks to build various vehicles, and output drawings, renderings, and bills of materials like any company would expect.

RH: What industry do you teach for or what is the prevalent industry in your area that would eventually hire a SolidWorks trained person?

AS: Oregon still has a large high tech sector. We have the Intel headquarters, Nike, and a lot of bio-tech upstarts. Everyone is using SolidWorks at one level or another.

RH: What universities or community colleges are nearby that your students would attend and pursue a course of study with SolidWorks application?

AS: Just about all technical colleges and schools in the area use SolidWorks. Most post secondary schools are transitioning away from ProE and moving to SolidWorks. A partial list includes: Portland Community, Clackamas Community, Oregon State University (Beavers), University of Oregon (Ducks), University of Washington (Huskies), Clark College.

RH: Have you attended SolidWorks World? If so, what was beneficial from a teaching standpoint?

AS: I attended SolidWorks World 2006. Everything I attended and everyone I met was beneficial. However, I did not see an educator presence there at all. I plan on attending next year and hope to do a presentation as an educator. (PS: Don’t steal my ideas.)

RH: Will your school board or current school be willing to fund a trip for you to SolidWorks World?

AS: I will probably be funding the trip to SolidWorks World 2010 on my own. Oregon seems to “spend” money very well, just not on anything anyone wants. I could go through the channels, but remember, I like to do things my own way.

RH: Knowing that most school systems are in desperate financial situations, do you feel that there will be continued support for teaching SolidWorks and CAD drafting skills? If so, is it short term or long term support?

AS: This is a very hot topic for me because I both work in industry and am a member of the school faculty.

<edit: remove inflammatory, political monologue. (AS)>

A restructuring is badly needed. I try to live my life with this simple idea. I can’t discredit something if I haven’t made a real attempt to fix it. Therefore, I joined the curriculum advisory board at Clackamas Community College. One of the options on the table is restructuring the program from a two-year associates degree to a one-year certificate; something Portland Community College did some years ago. However, this is erosion of the highly-prized education model and may eventually lead to erosion of other degree programs. So I don’t have an answer right now, but I am at least taking an active part in the evaluation/solution process.

RH: How important do you feel that teaching SolidWorks/CAD/drafting skills is for the future of engineering and industry in general?

AS: CAD is an integral part of engineering today. At an increasing level engineers are doing their own detailing work. As companies further combine MRP/PDM data and personnel resources, the data shared needs to be current and complete. SolidWorks data is a huge benefit in this collaboration.

RH: What are the biggest challenges you face in teaching SolidWorks/drafting?

AS: My largest hurdle while teaching SolidWorks is un-teaching AutoCAD. When will the world stop teaching this as a current tool??!! To be fair, legacy data exists, but only needs to be maintained for the short term. Getting the students out of the 2D dungeon is the hardest part. Getting them to the wow-factor of SolidWorks is always a great day in the classroom.

RH: What are some goals for your future and do you always plan on teaching?

AS: This country needs engineers. I think our schools have produced too many liberal arts majors in the last 10 years. My goal is to reach younger, middle school age students. I recently talked with Saturday Academy, a local group dedicated to mentoring and offering classes to school kids.  I would like to start teaching SolidWorks classes at this level, but the hurdle now is hardware. We need to get new enough computers to run the next releases of SolidWorks.

Rich,

Thanks for taking the time to interview me and other SolidWorks educators out there. Your outreach through the blog, just like our teaching, helps the engineering community as a whole. Your time and contribution is appreciated by all. Was that the tardy bell? Well, I guess it’s time to get to class.

You are very welcome Adam.  I am very interested in your curriculum compared to other post secondary teachers.  If you are teaching SolidWorks at any level, give me a shout and let’s talk.  See you next time,

Helpful education links:

SolidWorks User Group Network (Get involved and join a local user group today.  Information can be found here!)

SolidWorks Educators Blog  This site is dedicated to assisting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) instructors in incorporating SolidWorks into their course curriculum.

SolidWorks Corporation  Helpful links for Educators and Students