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 “Toy Story 3″.

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 the use XHTML with CSS, and dynamic Flash sites with Actionscript.

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 CAWD 1 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

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.

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. Students have the opportunity to receive 6 Vermont State College credits for attending Computer Animation and Web Page Design. Those credits include: “Web Development” and “Intro to Flash Animation”. Motivated students may also take “2D Design” which is a college class focusing on artistic media off the computer, increasing the diversity of subject matter you are exposed to as a student in the program. 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.

Dual Enrollment Opportunities:

During the 2nd semester students with appropriate Accuplacer 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 “Web 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.

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 we had all of the 20 students who took the exam earn a certification, a success we are very proud of.

SkillsUSA:

Early in the 2nd semester, CAWD students will participate in a the SkillsUSA 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. Last year we took Gold and Silver in Web Design, Gold and Bronze in Pin Design, and Gold in Quiz Bowl at the Vermont Championships. At the national championships, TJ (current CAWD2 student) earned 2nd place in the nation for his SkillsUSA Vermont Pin Design. Brandon and Chris (former CAWD2 students, current college Freshmen) won 3rd place in the nation in Web Design – each winning $10,000 for college!. Getting to the podium for two events when 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.

High School Credits Awarded

One English Credit
One Fine Arts Credit
Four Elective Credits Requirements

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. 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?