Teaching 3ds max

[BuddyB309]

One thing I found that is if the students have 3ds max on their computers at home you will eventually tell which ones are messing with the program and which ones aren't. During a class if I get through my lesson for that day and I have extra time I always find a random object in the room and say "here is a _________, now make it on 3ds max." Of course you make it along with them but you will defiantly see who's been practicing.

The Idea of modeling objects on 3ds is quite easy to teach. I found that everyone caught on and they were able to make a soft drink cup the second day. The very first thing I have them make is a teapot.

Materials are a different story. I never realized how complex materials are since I taught 3ds max to myself. If your going to teach materials and how they work plan two lessons of two hours each. Then make sure to give them some homework. I found that if you call them up on the phone and give tell them you want this done, they are more motivated then if you assign it at the end of the class. (I guess its more personal, I dont know I just tried it one day and got results)

Rendering is hard to teach cause its really boring, I got through my lesson an hour early because that was just about rendering.

Also when teaching its always good to have files set up before hand that everyone can use and they can all follow along.

But most important, be patient and make it fun.