Virtual Academy
For those who are looking to explore the world of game development, we bring you a series of live online courses for future developers ages 7-17. Students will learn skills to modify the game environment and rules. Small, interactive classes maximize your learning experience. Each class meets 5-days for 60-90 minutes.
Minecraft I
COURSE INFORMATION
Minecraft is the best selling video game of all time. Your live instructor will demonstrate all the basics of game play including mining, crafting, farming, building, surviving zombie attacks and much more. Learn game strategy and advanced techniques to improve your experience. Your instructor will lead students step by step through each part of the game challenging you with tasks to improve your skills. This class is for beginner to intermediate Minecraft players.
ONLINE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Windows PC or MAC with webcam
- Minecraft Java Edition
- Internet connectivity for video conferencing
Minecraft II
COURSE INFORMATION
Have you crafted diamond tools? Created a Nether portal? This class if for advanced Minecraft players. Your live instructor will demonstrate advanced techniques to take your world to the next level. This course will cover redstone circuits and machines, resource packs to re-skin blocks, designing levels, and enhancing maps with command blocks. This course is a great introduction to game design. Your instructor will lead students step by step through each lesson building skills to fully control the Minecraft world.
ONLINE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Understanding of basic Minecraft game play
- Windows PC or MAC with webcam
- Minecraft Java Edition
- Internet connectivity for video conferencing
Professional Courses
Add a new skill to your resume with these live online courses featuring professional software packages.
Photoshop Professional – Intro to Photoshop
COURSE INFORMATION
The world’s best imaging and graphic design software is at the core of just about every creative project, from photo editing and compositing to digital painting, animation, and graphic design. Design anything you can imagine. This course is targeted at future Photoshop professionals. Your live instructor will teach you how to create and manipulate images and photos, adjust coloring and advanced image techniques.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
- Master layers, selection, movement, masks, filters and transformations.
- Correct color, remove flaws and colorize images.
- Manipulate type.
- Composite different image types with final color adjustment, masking and blending.
Prerequisites
- None
ONLINE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Windows PC or MAC with webcam
- Photoshop (free trial available)
- Internet connectivity for video conferencing
Game Design Curriculum
For game development enthusiasts, this class track has four powerful classes to build your development skills. Recommended ages are 12-17. This set of four courses is designed to take sequentially.
Maya 3D Modeling & Animation
COURSE INFORMATION
Maya is 3D computer animation software with powerful modeling, rendering, simulation, texturing, and animation tools for artists, modelers, and animators. Learn how to create and animate 3D models.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
- Learn about topology and navigating a 3D environment.
- Create shapes with faces, edges and vertices.
- Animate objects.
- Finalize and export models.
Prerequisites
- None
ONLINE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Windows PC or MAC with webcam
- Autodesk Maya (free trial available)
- Internet connectivity for video conferencing
Photoshop for Game Design
COURSE INFORMATION
The world’s best imaging and graphic design software is at the core of just about every creative project, from photo editing and compositing to digital painting, animation, and graphic design. Design anything you can imagine. You’ll learn how to leverage Photoshop to bring your 2D and 3D game elements to the next level.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
- Understand and manipulate 3D surface textures with UV Maps.
- Master Photoshop’s interface including layers, selection, movement and transformations..
- Create masks and filters to blend images together.
Prerequisites
- Maya 3D
ONLINE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Windows PC or MAC with webcam
- Photoshop (free trial available)
- Internet connectivity for video conferencing
Premiere Pro Video Editing
COURSE INFORMATION
Premiere Pro is the industry-leading video editing software for film, TV, and the web. Creative tools help you craft footage into polished films and videos. You’ll learn how to manipulate a timeline, create transitions, cut videos, add video effects, audio and export video to different final formats.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
- Learn the software interface to import video files and manipulate timeline.
- Add video transitions, visual and audio effects through masks, color correction, keying, transitions and level balancing.
- Tailor settings to export and upload files for different formats.
Prerequisites
- None
ONLINE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Windows PC or MAC with webcam
- Adobe Premiere Pro (free trial available)
- Internet connectivity for video conferencing
Video Game Development 1 with Unreal Engine
COURSE INFORMATION
Learn the basics of video game development with Unreal Engine; the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D creation platform for photo-real visuals and immersive experiences. You’ll learn how to build worlds, create game levels and customize game play through blueprinting. Take your first step towards creating your own game.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
- Learn the interface and project types.
- Add assets and apply materials.
- Add and manipulate lighting.
- Extend the game features with blue printing.
- Package and test your project.
Prerequisites
- Maya, Photoshop, Premiere Pro
ONLINE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Windows PC or MAC with webcam
- Unreal Engine (free trial available)
- Internet connectivity for video conferencing
We’re also working on new classes in:
- Robolox Game Design
Contact us if you have any questions or to place your name on the waiting list for one of the classes above.