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We have downloaded Solidworks and added the tetrix parts. The team has played with it a little but is struggling to get parts connected and moving. Are they any good online resources or books anyone would recommend? We are a rural team so do not have super easy access to mentors or training sessions. I have been looking for a youtube that shows the basic steps for assembling tetrix parts and testing movement.

I know there is long term value to learning a CAD program but is this something other teams find absolutely essential? My team is accustomed to solving problems with limited resources and I have two students who seem able to see things in three dimensions. i.e. Someone mentions an idea and they just sit down and create it or make a quick prototype with lego parts.

Seems like one of the main benefits of a CAD program is for the creation of custom parts or am I missing something? If they have chosen to stick mostly with exisiting parts, I am wondering if it is better to have them learn solidworks during the off season.

Thanks for your input