Over the past couple of years I have been a big fan of online tutorials. I started with gotoandlearn.com and became hooked. As a visual learner I truly believe a vast majority of people out there find technical books on programming and software more of a sleep aide a than a learning tool. A couple of chapters of CSS and one is pretty much cured of any semblance of insomnia.
Recently walking through the campus library I was reminded of the other element of having things in a book format – software versions are updated every 12 to 18 months. There were books in the computer section that were windows 2000 and adobe photoshop 5.5. This is 2009 (2008 then). Granted that tutorials need to be updated but they definitely take up less room than the collection of photoshop and flash books I partially read. Any one need a flash 5 book and the use of actionscript 1?
Well as an educator of interactive design I have taken a minor step and started using Lynda.com for my students instead of using text books. When you teach intro to graphic design, web design and flash animation – a semester is really no time to get things done properly. This way I am hoping that if anything I can teach the fundamentals of good design and best practices on a personal level rather than problem solving and explaining software.
I love the whole adobe cs3 now cs4 bundle and use it enthusiastically. I am excited to take some of the technical jargon out of the class lectures.
Classes just started for spring 09 – will see how it goes. Will update this soon.
Off to twitter now.
