Virtual Learning Network (VLN) Courses

Course Costs are quoted in New Zealand Dollars

3D Modelling and Animation with Blender

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. As a result, teachers should be able to assist their students to create and enhance images for school-based projects they may be working on (e.g. simulations, diagrams, video, product visualisation, stories, websites).

Resources: The "Introduction to Blender" manual from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Blender 2.44 or 2.45 and Python (both are available for free - more details will be supplied on enrolment)

TERM 3  Thursdays  22 Jul - 8 Sep 2010  4 - 5.30pm  $400  Enrol Now

TERM 4  Thursdays  21 Oct - 9 Dec 2010  4 - 5.30pm  $400  Enrol Now

This course will provide students with the skills to create a simple four-page website.  Using a text editor (eg Free software such as Notepad++ for Windows, TextWrangler for Mac) 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.)

Resources: The "Introduction to XHTML and CSS" manual from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Notepad++ (Windows), TextWrangler(Mac) (both are available for free - more details will be supplied on enrolment)

TERM 3 Tuesdays & Thursdays 3 Aug-23 Sep 2010 3.30-4.30pm $480  Enrol Now

TERM 4 Tuesdays & Thursdays 19 Oct-9 Dec 2010 3.30-4.30pm $480  Enrol Now

Introduction to Flash

This course is for those interested in multimedia, 2D animations or web design.  Learn to create 2D animations and interactive elements for your website.  This course covers drawing tools, the Flash CS4 environment, simple animation techniques and adding interactivity.

Resources: Introduction to Flash manual from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Adobe Flash Professional CS3 or CS4

TERM 3 Mondays  2 Aug - 20 Sep 2010  3.30 - 5pm, $400 Enrol Now

TERM 4 Mondays 18 Oct - 6 Dec 2010  3.30 - 5pm, $400 Enrol Now

Introduction to Illustrator

Illustrator CS4 is the powerful vector drawing program used by graphic and fashion designers.  It provides unique illustration tools for drawing, painting, and text manipulation, which can be used to create illustrations, diagrams, logos, advertisements, and single page layouts with text and graphics.

Resources: Introduction to Illustrator CS4 manual from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Adobe Illustrator CS3 or CS4

TERM 3  Wednesdays  4 Aug - 22 Sep 2010  4pm-5.30pm, $400 Enrol Now

TERM 4  Wednesdays  20 Oct - 8 Dec 2010  4pm-5.30pm, $400 Enrol Now

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 5956 during the course.  (Unit standard 5956 Level 2 Credits 3 Version 5 Generic Computing – Produce a simple design illustration using a computer application.)

Resources: The "Introduction to Photoshop" manual from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3 or CS4

TERM 3 Tuesdays & Thursdays 3 Aug-23 Sep 2010 3.30-4.30pm $480 Enrol Now

TERM 4 Tuesdays & Thursdays 19 Oct-9 Dec 2010 3.30-4.30pm $480 Enrol Now

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 design and produce printed material 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).

Resources: The "Introduction to InDesign" manual from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Adobe InDesign CS3 or CS4

TERM 3 Mondays & Wednesdays 2 Aug-22 Sep 2010 3.30-4.30pm $480 Enrol Now

TERM 4 Mondays & Wednesdays 18 Oct-8 Dec 2010 3.30-4.30pm $480 Enrol Now

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.

Resources: The "Introduction to InDesign" manual from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Adobe InDesign CS3 or CS4

TERM 3 Mondays & Wednesdays 2 Aug-22 Sep 2010 3.30-5pm $360 Enrol Now

TERM 4 Mondays & Wednesdays 18 Oct-8 Dec 2010 3.30-5pm $360 Enrol Now

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.

Resources: The "Introduction to Photoshop" manual from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3 or CS4

TERM 3 Tuesdays & Thursdays 3 Aug-23 Sep 2010 3.30-5pm $360 Enrol Now

TERM 4 Tuesdays & Thursdays 19 Oct-9 Dec 2010 3.30-5pm $360 Enrol Now

Advanced Design and Layout with InDesign and Photoshop

This course will show teachers how to combine the image manipulation features of Photoshop CS4 with the design and layout features of InDesign CS4. Previous knowledge and experience with Photoshop and InDesign are required.

Resources: The "Introduction to InDesign" and "Introduction to Photoshop" manuals from Natcoll Publishing will be supplied as part of the course.
Required Software: Adobe InDesign CS3 or CS4 and Adobe Photoshop CS3 or CS4

TERM 3  Tuesdays  3 Aug - 21 Sep 2010  4.45 - 6pm  $400  Enrol Now

TERM 4  Tuesdays  19 Oct - 7 Dec 2010  4.45 - 6pm  $400  Enrol Now

For any other enquiries please contact Val Gyde on email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it