This came out of a small conversation with @Diplomat last night. What do you guys think about setting up (member created and member driven) study groups?
Could be a cross between show and tell and question and answer.
Could be centered around a specific tool or software or interest.
Just an idea. Nothing teacher lead specifically just a group with similar interests sharing knowledge/learning together/at a defined time.
I like it. Sounds like eLab Tuesdays.
I think itâs a great idea.
I considered a âclass seriesâ which I intended to call âBlind Leading the Blindâ, wherein we (I, by default, I presume) would choose a subject (sayâŚinkscape) that I know virtually nothing about but want to know more, block off 2 hours in a classroom, and âleadâ anyone who choses to show up in a discovery mission. My thought was that some of us who âknow nothingâ might know more than we think, and only through exploration with others might we find out how what we know could be applied. Secondarily, maybe people who âknow stuffâ would be curious, stop in, and get suckered into helping us learn. If nothing else, we could corroborate weâre all a bunch of idiots who can watch youtube videos and TRY to learn something.
I think thatâs the kind of thing youâre talking about. If you choose to do it, I bet itâll be a hit. I hope Iâll get to participate.
Iâm interested. I was wondering if a study group or work shop to practice taking pictures of small items would be helpful for anyone else - I really struggle with this.
Inkscape is such a little understood resource. I think nailing that program could facilitate making in all the CNC areas.
I like the idea, too. I really have no need to ever draw an honorarium. Have kind of done this with stamp making. Ready to do more there!
Might not be viable what language focused would be of interest; Spanish anyone?
Iâd love to have a group to learn any language with, so Iâd be interested in Spanish.
I have some background in Japanese. Would anyone be interested in learning that together? I have plenty of study books to break in.
Oh gracious, do I ever have Japanese booksâŚ
The âNumismatic Table Talksâ & âNuclear Science Information Sessionsâ which Iâve been conducting may be a little like what youâre talking about.
Have you ever tried DuoLingo? I wonder if they have a group challenge set up like fitbit. That would be kind of cool.
Thanks for the shout out.
We were talking about getting skill sets under our belts. I am using an app to learn Spanish. What about a Spanish language only study group? I am working on Python. What about a group that is working on Python or programming languages?
As a group, we would be at the space for an agreed amount of time, ârowing the boatâ in a specified direction. In the course of a year, it would move that area forward in your life.
The down side is, you have to be responsible for what you are doing. Sitting in a room where the activity is gossip does not improve a skill, unless that is the skill you are looking to improve.
All food for thought.
I think it is a powerful incentive. I think this could become a very attractive feature of DMS.
Duolingo has âclubsâ for up to 15 people. That would likely do it. Set up a Duolingo club and once a month or so get together and try it out.
Do it and see if itâs successful. If we start a Spanish one I would love to bring my son.
There are lots of us currently learning Python programming. We are all at different levels, however. Some have never programmed before and others are just picking up another language.
Are you taking the current class series? The ones taught by Alan last year?
That was kind of what my class was.
The impression I got taking classes in my first months here was that the instructors have forgotten what it was like to be an absolute beginner. Much of it was well over my head within the first five minutes. So I calibrated for someone comfortable with using the computer but with no knowledge about the app.
See if you can find macro mode in the manual. For some cameras, that is the magic chant.
Youâre correct. I quite liked your class. I thought/think itâs just what the Doctor ordered for 2d drawing (inkscape/GIMP, etc.). I would like to see it happen more often. And it needs to be expounded upon, with an intermediate/practical bent, with an eye to moving to 3d/CAD. Apparently I canât force you to do that, though. 
But this concept could expand to other venues. MaybeâŚphotosynthesis instead of Inkscape. OrâŚhow air brakes work on a big rig. OrâŚwhat happens during knife sharpening to make a razor edge. OrâŚwhy horses have 1 hoof while cattle have 2. OrâŚwhy 42 is the answer to life, the universe, and everything. OrâŚ?
I have taken 2 DMS Python classes.
I am aware people are at different levels.
Did not know we had Python meetings.
âŁSent from BlueMail â
There ainât none of that blood in this turnipâŚ
Other than a little bit of Tinkercad, I have not made the transition to the third dimension yet. I started learning OpenSCAD because I like parametric, but got diverted to other things. I took (if you can call it that) a Blender class from Eric (MetalDust?) He left me in the dust in the very first minute. His hands were literally flying between the mouse and the keyboard and things were happening on the screen faster than I can see.
Having over fifteen registered, plus several walk-ins is a hint I should do it more often. Maybe once a quarter?
John Gorman is doing a more advanced Inkscape class. They are on the calendar now.
May I interest you in a programming or electronics class? That is what I have been concentrating on teaching these days.
We donât as I know of. We have been talking about it informally in the Common Room and I have been bringing in many of my Python books because Mitch has been working on a project for 3D Fab in Python.