Virtual Learning Network (VLN) Courses for Students

To enrol in these courses your school needs to join the VLN community via the Ministry of Education (MoE) VLN website. Your school's designated VLN co-ordinator can then process enrolments using the MoE VLN website.

Term 1

3D Modelling and Animation with Blender (will also be offered in Term 3)

This course will provide an introduction to basic Blender tools and principles of 3D modelling and animation. The skills learned can be transferred to other 3D applications. The principles of animation will be covered, as well as lighting, camera work and rendering. Students should be able to use their skills to create and enhance images for school-based projects they may be working on (e.g. simulations, diagrams, video, product visualisation, stories, websites).

Introduction to Web Design

This course will provide students with the skills to create a simple five page website. Using Adobe Dreamweaver combined with XHTML and CSS (the code behind websites) students will plan, design and produce their very own website. Basic optimisation of the web pages for search engines will also be covered and students will have the opportunity to meet the requirements for Unit Standard 18736 during the course (Unit standard 18736 Level 2 Credits 4 Version 2 Generic Computing - Create a simple website using a text editor to meet the specifications of a given brief).

Introduction to Photoshop

This introductory course will enable students to learn the tools and simple editing and image manipulation techniques required to create their own original images and designs. The course content will also cover basic strategies used by a print designer whilst developing ideas to meet a design purpose. Students will have the opportunity to meet the requirements for Unit Standard 5958 during the course (Unit standard 5958 Level 2 Credits 3 Version 5 Generic Computing – Produce a simple design illustration using a computer application).

Introduction to Desktop and Graphic Design

This introductory course will provide students with the basics of desktop and graphic layout with InDesign. It will enable them to produce printed materials such as multi-page documents and one page advertisements. The course content will also cover the fundamental principles of page design and how to design and layout documents for effective communication. Students will have the opportunity to meet the requirements for Unit Standard 2789 during the course (Unit standard 2789 Level 3 Credits 5 Version 5 Generic Computing – Produce desktop published documents for organisation use).

Create a School Magazine Layout (multi-page document)

This introductory course will enable participants to learn the basics of InDesign so they can produce a school magazine layout. The course content will also cover the fundamental principles of page design and how to design and layout documents for effective communication. By the end of the course participants should be able to complete document setup, navigation, text, charts and tables, to output a multi-page document with illustrations.

Create a Cover for a School Magazine

This introductory course will enable participants to learn the basics of Photoshop, such as simple editing and image manipulation techniques to create original images and come up with some exciting designs.

Terms 1 and 2

Introduction to Industry Standard Print Design

This course will provide students with the skills to complete the requirements for PrintNZ ITO Unit Standard 23558 (Unit Standard 23558 Level 3 20 credits Version 2 - Create documents for digital printers using basic software). For this unit standard, students are required to produce and digitally print a wide range of documents which will contribute towards a portfolio of work. A minimum of ten documents must be satisfactorily completed which include text and images prepared to a standard that meets industry best practice.