Training DVDs

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

I just completed my first DVD training project as the writer and instructor for "Inside Adobe Illustrator CS2" produced by Magnet Media in New York City.

Having done only onsite and classroom training until now, this was an amazing experience! After over 32 years behind the camera as an art director, writer and TV producer, being in front of the lens was, to say the least, different but just as much fun.

Before starting this project, I was a little skeptical about the effectiveness of DVD training. But now, having gone though this project, my view has totally changed.

As long as the DVD covers all the basic features of an application, before moving on to advanced features AND it provides lesson files for the student open and work on along with the instructor, it’s a great way to learn, practice, and remember what’s discussed in each lesson. Plus it can actually make learning an application faster and a lot easier.

One last thought -- "Tips and Tricks" DVDs are great for experienced users, but too often beginners are using them. To me, this just helps the inexperienced user to avoid actually learning the essential features of a program. Novice to intermediate users should make sure that they select training that covers all the basics.

Ace

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

I just got word that my DVD, "Inside Adobe Illustrator CS2," is now shipping.

What a great way to begin the new year!

Ace

:D

[staciecd]

Grats on the DVD - what a cool accomplishment! I learn better through a class than I do reading the book - visual person. Plus I am a do-er. A DVD seems to offer the best of both worlds. I have 3 so far and haven't watched one yet, but I just got a new computer with a DVD player, so I can watch, then work on the other computer. Pretty nifty.

[AdobeAce]

...I can watch, then work on the other computer. Pretty nifty.

Hi staciecd,

Thanks!

The two computer method seems to be what a lot people are doing. Others play parts of the video, stop the video, and try a feature on their own. Then they return to the video to see more. The immediate reinforcement, of trying what they've just seen, is a great way to learn and REMEMBER the features.

Thanks!

Ace

[mops]

Hi AdobeAce

Congratulations - well done - i bet youre over the moon!!!

Can the ordinary folk purchase your DVD?

Mops

[AdobeAce]

Hi mops,

Thanks!

Yes, my DVD is now available for purchase.

I do not want to use this forum as an advertising vehicle, so if you'd like the information, please just send me an email. My address is included in my public profile on this site.

Thanks again!

Ace

[mops]

Thanks Adobe - will do........

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

One of my favorite features covered on the DVD is Blending Effects for both print and animation.

You can read more about it in another post -- http://www.layersmagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229

Have fun!

Ace

[mebow]

Hi staciecd,

Thanks!

The two computer method seems to be what a lot people are doing. Others play parts of the video, stop the video, and try a feature on their own. Then they return to the video to see more. The immediate reinforcement, of trying what they've just seen, is a great way to learn and REMEMBER the features.

Thanks!

Ace

Thats exactly how I do it here, I have an M500 laptop running the DVD lessons while I accomplish the moves and changes on the larger computer using an LCD HD screen. :D

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

Just got word from the DVD training company that my DVD is one of their Top Sellers for this past month.

Until now, I wasn't sure anyone was buying it.

Ace

:D

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

Just a quick update.

I'm about to start working on my second training DVD. This one is about InDesign CS2.

It should be released by the middle of the summer.

Ace

:D

[Paul C]

AdobeAce - Congratulations man!

That is awesome. :D

peace

[AdobeAce]

Hi Paul,

Thanks!

I can wait to get started with the recording in a couple of weeks.

Ace

:D

[staciecd]

Is the InDesign training for beginners? I've worked with templates, but looking forward to getting more in depth.

Stacie

[AdobeAce]

Hi Stacie,

The DVD will concentrate on artists who are switching from another layout program, but will cover all the basics before moving on to more advanced features.

Ace

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

I just got word that my new training DVD, Inside Adobe InDesign CS2 has been released. If you'd like any further information, please cantact me by email or private message.

Thanks!

Ace

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

I'm about to start work on two more training videos with Magnet Media Films in New York. These new projects will focus on the new features of InDesign CS3 and Illustrator CS3 and will be delivered as online Flash videos.

For more info, send me a private message or email.

I'll keep you posted as the projects progress.

Ace

PS: Get ready for some very cool features in CS3!

[Paul C]

Keep cranking AdobeAce!

peace

[AdobeAce]

Hi Paul,

Learning what's new in the applications while preparing for training made this quite an intense project. Just learning the new features was quite a task in itself considering that the only source of information available is the Help menu.

Ace
:D

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

I'm doing my first live Web-based training using Acrobat Connect. So far, it's been great! Connect is so much better than other conferencing apps I've tried.

The student (or students) can see what I'm doing in the application and hear my instructions either online using a microphone or by phone. I can also turn over the session to a student to watch them try what they've just learned. Very cool!

I think Acrobat Connect is going to be a boon for training, because distance is no longer going to be an issue. I can train anyone, anywhere without the cost of travel, hotels or food. My first live online training is with a new InDesign user who is over 600 miles from my office, and it's working out great.

My regular onsite InDesign and Illustrator training usually take two days (a total of 14 hours) for either application. Connect makes it practical for me to offer two hours sessions over 7 days instead. This works out great because most students can't devote full days to training.

Two more Acrobat Connect training assignments already booked for July. Looking forward to them.

Ace

[The Repro Kid]

Interesting. Although it does seem to further tether you to your computer :(

Oh well, business is business and I'm sure it's probably better for the students to digest in small bites.

[AdobeAce]

Hi Repro,

Acrobat Connect is just expanding my training to included students who are too far away for traditional onsite trraining. Most of my training is still at the client's site, so I really don't feel "tethered" to my computer.

Where Connect really comes in handy is with Support. Seeing the problem on my screen, and talking about possible solutions is a lot easier and less time consuming than writing an email.

And you're right about learning in "small bites." My first Web-trained student is learning faster and retaining A LOT more than "normal." Either she's the best beginner I've ever taught (quite possible) OR covering the material in shorter sessions over more days makes absorbing the information easier (or both).

One feature of Connect that I haven't had the opportunity to try is the video conferencing capabilities. Seeing the expression on a student's face helps in knowing if he or she is understanding the material without having to ask them. I gotta try it!

Ace
:D

[The Repro Kid]

...And you're right about learning in "small bites." My first Web-trained student is learning faster and retaining A LOT more than "normal." Either she's the best beginner I've ever taught (quite possible) OR covering the material in shorter sessions over more days makes absorbing the information easier (or both)...

I wonder if it's possible she could also be recording the lessons somehow from her computer and then playing them back to study ?

[AdobeAce]

Hi Repro,

Great idea! But I'm sure she's not recording the lessons. I can tell from her responses during the lessons that she just understands the features as I'm going through the materials. She's just a great student.

Ace

[AdobeAce]

Hi All,

I realized this past week, another advantage of online training. Using Acrobat Connect, I was able to handle a half day of training with two artists in Rhode Island on the same day that I did one-on-on training with an artist in New York City. Without Acrobat Connect, I probably would not have been able to handle either one of these situations let alone both on the same day.

Half day onsite training is not practical, because with travel the whole day is shot anyway. Online training has made it simple to deliver a lot more quality training in situations that ordinarily would have been impossible. With so few Adobe Certified Instructors in the US listed on Adobe's website (at last count, 52 for InDesign, 32 for Illustrator, and about 90 for Photoshop), there are some states that have no Instructors or Adobe Authorized Training Facilities listed at all. Of course you can get training in those states but nothing that's up to Adobe's tough standards.

Ace:D

[lucylam]

One of my favorite features covered on the DVD is Blending Effects for both print and animation.

================================================== ======

lucy

visit
gmail (http://www.gmail.com)

[AdobeAce]

Hi Lucy,

Blending Effects is one of my favorites as well. Most people don't know that you can have two different objects with variations of Effects (even 3D Effects) and Blend from one to the other in steps. Great way to create an animation.

Gland you enjoyed my DVD! :D

Ace

Jeff Witchel

[AKfreak]

I am looking for CS3 Ace training for PS, AI, DW, PR,SB.AE,ID,FL not interested in CS2 at all. I have and have use Adobe CS3 but wonder if I should wait until the CS4 stuff is out. Anyway the classroom in a books stink and are full of errors. What books should I use as a study guide. THX

[Lukas Engqvist]

Some want attitude, others want facts.
There are lotts of video tuts. CIB is great for first time learning, but if you upgrade it can be a drag. There are other threads discussing training on this site.
I like to go with the manuals, and check off with the ACE prepguide. Only done one so far, so I can't tell if that is the best way.
My favorite book list:
Photoshop – Ben Willmore (also has an up to speed with just new features)
(Scott Kelby, Matt Kolowski and Deke McClelland are also good)
Illustrator - Sharon Streuer (Illustrator wow-book, lotts of artists work)
InDesign - Scott Citron (prefer webb forums like theIndesigner or InDesignSecrets)

It's heavy taking it all in one go. Good Luck!

[AKfreak]

ACE prepguide, Where is the best place get these for all the CS3 programs. I want to ace all of them I can.

Drr I found it, Thanks for the INFO, Adobe makes a fortune on BOOKS. They all are 50+ a crack. Soundbooth CS3 was the same price as Photoshop cs3 for 1/4 of the content. WOW!

Anyone have any used CS3 prepguides they will let go for a decent price. I bet I have over 1500 in Adobe books already!

Link to prep guides
http://partners.adobe.com/public/ace/main.html

[Lukas Engqvist]

The prepguide is a PDF filel linked from the page the price is the exam price.

[AKfreak]

I did misunderstand. If I click on the ENGLISH Link it gives me the PDF (prepguide) the price $50 is for the recert and 150 is for the full test if you are not already an ace in that Category. I found a place last night, it is called pass guaranteed dot com or something like that. They have most of the questions and answers and if you don't pas they will give you your money back. Pretty good I think, the CS3 study material is $65.00 but at $150 a wack seems fair to be prepared. Based on the obscure questions I hear are on the Ace tests It may be good to know the actual questions and answers. SORRY to Hijack this Thread. Thanks for everyones time. Tom