In a previous entry, we discussed the importance of focusing on skills rather than specific software versions when preparing students for the ever-changing technological landscape. An often overlooked aspect of this preparation is teaching students where to find information, not just how to use it.

What often intimidates newly educated professionals isn’t necessarily the changes in user interfaces, but rather the fear that their hard-earned knowledge might be outdated, potentially jeopardizing their ability to provide for their families. In such situations, having access to the right resources can be invaluable.

This process is relatively straightforward in some programs, such as web browsers. It’s not uncommon to encounter windows announcing new features in programs like Microsoft Edge.

Figure: Edge’s introduction to the latest changes of the program

However, this isn’t as intuitive in other programs. Nonetheless, there’s a well-established tradition in the IT community of documenting every release with notes detailing changes and new features. This practice is helpful for development teams to quickly update newcomers on differences between versions, and it’s equally useful for end-users navigating the platform.

Most software programs are iterative, building upon previous versions with additive updates. It’s rare for a successful piece of software to be completely overhauled, as rewriting the code would essentially mean re-developing the program – at which point, starting a new company might be more feasible.

Figure: Rhino’s “What’s new”- Online help documentation for the program

This knowledge becomes particularly crucial when dealing with rapidly evolving programs like Unreal Engine, which constantly releases new updates and features for its diverse user base across various industries.

Knowing where to find help files and how to use them correctly can serve multiple purposes. In practice, not every company will have the most up-to-date software version, often contrasting with educational institutions. (Hardware capacity can be equally challenging in industry settings as it is for students.)

Figure: Unreal Engine’s “What’s new”- Online help documentation for the program

Therefore, it’s crucial that we teach students not just how to use software, but where to find information about it. We need to foster a culture of continuous learning through documentation. This skill isn’t a given, and I believe we could do better at equipping students with this ability.

Reading was the first skill we learned as children, and it remains arguably our most powerful tool as adults. But equally important is knowing where to find the resources that make our work more effective.