How to train students in SolidWorks

[asid61]

Originally Posted by cadandcookies

There are a couple of schools to teaching CAD, I find: One is the "learn CAD as a program, as can be applied to all sorts of projects", and the other is "learn how to CAD robots for competition". It's a good idea to ask yourself and your team which camp you're in. It's a common issue I find in a lot of materials external to FRC-- sure, I can now create a helix cut with parametric pitch and depth, but how can I actually CAD a robot? How do I import parts from McMaster/VexPro/AndyMark/etc? What's the fastest way to CAD the chassis our team is most comfortable with?

Online programs are lovely for getting a grasp on CAD theory, but effectively modeling in six weeks (or three days) is a different beast, and it requires not necessarily the broad knowledge the tutorials will give you, but more in depth knowledge of specific features and practical concerns that come up in FRC.

I completely agree with this sentiment; in the short time that one is in FRC, they have to learn how to design for FRC well, not just learn how to use the CAD program.
I learned by practicing CAD on my own more than anything. I think that that's the surest way to be proficient in thinking for yourself and being confident in your ability to CAD.
That being said, I'm definitely going to recommend the RAMP videos along with some of the others posted here for teaching with next year. To get people started in CAD, before they are familiar with SW tools, I feel like those types of tutorials would be perfect.