Technology in Architectural Practice

This is a very hot button topic right now. I'm glad you brought it up.
I, too, learned AutoCAD on the job, rather than as part of my core college curriculum; so, I am familiar with the struggle to keep up with current technology. Recently, I decided to upgrade my computer skills and return to school. It has been the best decision I've made in a decade- aside from starting a family.
I signed up with The Art Institute of Pittsburgh- Online Division and took Computer Literacy CPU-101. This course covers the basics of computers from the inside out and teaches students how to use various software applications such as the MS Office Suite, Photoshop, Adobe CS5, and Illustrator. It was very challenging but, most of all, it was fun and rewarding. The course wrapped up by teaching students how to create multi-page PDF's using Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro (which many architectural firms use on a daily basis to share changes and design ideas with clients).
I believe anyone, at any age, CAN learn new software applications.
Even though technology is rapidly changing, I think we owe it to ourselves to keep pace with it. (And computer designers are making that job easier everyday by increasing the GUI.)
This blog is titled "Leaving the Seasoned Professionals Behind." Hmmm.....I wonder, can our profession afford to do that? Or, is this an example of "survival of the fittest?" Or, can this be an opportunity to explore new and better ways of getting projects done? If we can no longer afford to pay the higher salaries of the seasoned professionals and opt for the lower wages of new graduates, with more current education and better computer skills, what is to come of those seasoned pros who get kicked to the curb, so to speak? (It reminds me of surgeons whose shelf lives are so marginal/limited...maybe we seasoned folks ought to see what these pros are doing to increase their professional longevity...).
In this regard, I think architecture can be a brutal profession. It is sometimes unforgiving of people who need to raise a family and take time off to do so and of people who temporarily go into other fields where the jobs are more available and the pay is often better.
What is the AIA doing, if anything, on this front? Surely, there must be an affordable way to educate senior and seasoned professionals who have a desire to learn!
Architects are great problem-solvers and possess certain leadership skills that our world needs. It's too bad that our profession has seemed to allow itself to be underpaid, undervalued, and now undereducated.
I encourage all "seasoned professionals" to become more active in the AIA and speak out on this issue.
I appreciate the comments by the first two posters, especially regarding the AIA promoting more dialogue about this subject. I look forward to hearing more from the author and others on this very important topic.
In summary, we seem to have identified the problem, now we- myself included- need to come up with some solutions. One obvious solution is: for seasoned professionals to go back to school.

This topic needs more public discussion and thank you for posting it.
I think the profession needs both its emerging architects and its seasoned professionals, and that it shouldn't be a competition between these groups. There needs to be a level of mutual respect, and the AIA needs to promote this coorperation between the generations.

I am one of those "older" Architects but I have tried to stay upwith latest computer cad AND 3d illusttration programs these young kids know coming out of school. When I graduated, there were no computers. The latest job postings want a person who knows Autocad, REvit, Architcad, Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup and #d Max ect.I am trying to keep up with all this but it becomes difficult wtih working full time, living your life and trting to learn these programs.SOme are easy (i.e.Sketchup), some are more difficult (i>e.) 3d max design).My advice is to try and learn as much of this new technology that you can. It will make you more marketable in the fiuture.Yes ittakes a lot oftime but that is all we have while we are here, right? In the mean time, I still rely on my 30 years experience, besides the Autocad ?revit skills and it seems in this econoimy, the older Architect still has a hard time finding long term employment.