About

So What is CAWD?

The Computer Animation and Web Page Design program is designed for students interested in acquiring new media skills and entering the fast paced and rapidly changing area of animation and web design.

Our computer animation component takes advantage of state-of-the-art 2D and 3D digital computer hardware and software used in creating such Pixar Films as “Cars 2″.

Students will design web sites with creative interfaces, strong graphic images, functional site organization and logical navigation. Starting with the design first, students will brainstorm layout ideas, create mockups by hand and in different illustration programs such as Photoshop. Once the design is complete students then go on to bringing it to interactive life through current and emerging industry technologies.

Second year students go on and look at the server side of web design, with databases and scripting languages such as PHP and Javascript, in addition to photography.

Some of the objectives of this course are to learn about the aesthetic and technical roles of design in developing web sites, the process of creating a well-designed web site, the principles of graphic design using electronic media and the technical aspects of working with the web and how web authoring software works. Learn how to create 3d models, animate your creations, and render your product realistically or stylistically. Use video editing software to create animations/videos, and learn how to put them on the internet. Learning how to retouch and restore photos, create digital illustrations, and use audio editing software, are just some of the techniques you will cover over the year:

Curriculum Components of CAWD1 and CAWD2

Introduction to digital animation technology
Internet terminology
Digital imaging techniques for print and internet
Web site planning and navigation
Graphic Design
Advanced web design effects
Web animation and interactivity
Web publishing
2d and 3d animation theory
3d modeling basics
Character modeling, rigging and animation
Lighting theory and techniques
3d animation techniques
Audio and Video editing
Portfolio design and publishing

High School Credits Awarded

One English Credit
One Fine Arts Credit
Four Elective Credits Requirements

Career Academy Opportunity and Rewards

All students at the Center for Technology may seek eligibility for enrollment in a variety of college level courses offered through the University of Vermont, Champlain College and the Community College of Vermont. Each course can earn a student up to four college credits – many of which are accepted by other colleges and universities. Motivated students who take advantage of these advanced placement programs can acquire a full semester toward their college degree.

Dual Enrollment Opportunities in CAWD:

In Computer Animation and Web Page Design, students have the opportunity to take college classes specifically related to Computer Animation and Web Design class work. During the 2nd semester students with appropriate Accuplacer and class scores will have the opportunity to “dual enroll” in the Vermont State College System as well as CTE. During this time you may earn college credit for your time in CAWD, specifically the courses “Website Development” and “Introduction to Flash Animation”. Students must meet minimum requirements in program grade and Accuplacer test results to be eligible, in addition to recommendation from the instructor.

Motivated students may also take “2D Design” which is a college class focusing on artistic media off-computer, increasing the diversity of subject matter you are exposed to as a student in CAWD. This college class would earn students 3 additional credits. As part of our second year program, CAWD2 students take “Vermont Technical College English Composition” taught by an adjunct VTC instructor. This college level English class awards 4 credits for successful completion.

Certification Opportunities:

At the end of our XHTML/CSS component, students who we feel are ready may take the World Organization of Webmaster Certification Exam. This exam is run by an internationally recognized organization know for their work on internet technologies and standards. Last year each student selected to sit for the exam passed with a level of certification, a success we are very proud of. We hope to continue building on this in 2011-12.

SkillsUSA:

Early in the 2nd semester, CAWD students will participate in a the SkillsUSA Vermont competitions. On the state level, these competitions are between the different technical schools around Vermont. The gold medal winners of each competition represent the state of Vermont at the national level in Kansas City, Missouri.

In the summer of 2011 Lorand and Michael took 1st place in the nation in web design! Each received $40,000 toward college. We are very proud of their accomplishments and while you can’t beat 1st place, we will continue to learn/compete, preparing students for the 21st century job market.

At the 2010 national championships, TJ earned 2nd place in the nation for his SkillsUSA Vermont Pin Design. Brandon and Chris won 3rd place in the nation in Web Design – each winning $10,000 for college!

Getting to the podium for two consecutive years while competing with the best students from across the country was a great accomplishment, and we are very proud of what our students have, and continue to accomplish.

What’s Next?

Upon graduation of the program, students will have an interactive online portfolio of their best work to take on to higher education, internships, or the work force. Their portfolio will be representative of their skills and experiences gained through the year-long study (two years if accepted into CAWD2). These student portfolios have opened doors at businesses, as well as move students past entry level college coursework – why pay and spend time on something you already know?