Packing Slip 
item |
Learning Maya 7 3D computer software |
contact |
Valerie Akuna (Estrella Mountain Community College) valerie.akuna@emcmail.maricopa.edu |
college(s) |
Estrella Mountain Community College |
discipline(s) |
Instructional Computing |
summary |
My summer project focused on the learning of Maya 7, a 3D modeling and animation software. I used Learning Maya 7 by Alias Learning Tools. The text was fast paced and the learning curve considerable. |
details |
My summer project focused on the learning of Maya 7, a 3D modeling and animation software. I used an excellent textbook entitled Learning Maya 7 by Alias Learning Tools. The text moved at a fast pace and the learning curve was considerable. I covered the Maya interface, how to work in 3D space, build characters and props with polygons, create organic structures with BURBS, use Trax non-linear animation, apply forward and inverse kinematics, set cameras and lights, use Trax non-linear animation, and use Maya Embedded Language. I worked at home and quickly established a routine. I followed the step-by-step textbook tutorials then created small projects of my own which reinforced the textbook material taught. My knowledge and overall ability with this software has improved enormously to the point where I will be able to demonstrate how Maya deals with modeling, animation, and rendering to my students in a number of multimedia classes. ------------------------------------------------------------ Outcomes: In a paragraph or two describe what worked well. Did you accomplish your objective(s)? Were you able to complete your summer project as written? If not, what did you modify and why? What did not go as well as expected, if anything? Were there any surprises? Note: Use the questions as guides for your outcomes. Do not include detailed list of workshops attended, speakers who presented, or a list of items you have seen, heard, or read. ------------------------------------------------------------ My Summer Project objectives were achieved, but on reflection, the learning process needed to take place over a longer period to permit a natural “trickle-down” of information and absorption of material to take effect. I was pleasantly surprised however, by the inclusion of valuable theoretical discussions in the textbook which helped me to understand the underlying concepts which were being taught. In addition, my interest has been peaked in learning more about MEL (Maya Embedded Language) scripting. This constituted one small aspect of the textbook, but deserved a more in depth investigation particularly the ability to create macros that help speed up more tedious workflows. While I had arranged to seek help from an individual working in the animation industry unfortunately this was not a positive experience since during my project his company became extremely busy - consequently, it was necessary for me to struggle through some of the more difficult segments of the textbook. ------------------------------------------------------------ Professional Growth: Your own professional growth is a large part of your project. Your professional growth is important to you, your students, your college, and possibly other colleagues. How did project affect you professionally? What skills did you learn? What environments were you working in and how might your summer project influence your teaching or other responsibilities? Did you gain a different perspective? Was it professionally valuable for you? ------------------------------------------------------------ While I have worked with 3D Studio Max, another industry leader in the field of 3D modeling and animation, Maya is quite different in a number of respects. For instance, I have set myself the future challenge of working with MEL (Maya Embedded Language) and writing macros. I also discovered that the textbook which I used is followed by a number of more advanced publications that will take my skills to the next level. The entire experience was extremely valuable and has given me a much greater interest in the multimedia environment overall. ------------------------------------------------------------ Dissemination: How will you share this information with your colleagues, department, students, or college? ------------------------------------------------------------ I will be able to show my students Maya products in such classes as CIS105 which often feeds other, more advanced courses. Hopefully, this will also motivate some students to delve into 3D modeling and animation as a career. I also intend to share with colleagues new approaches to storyboarding which the textbook dealt with and suggest that they investigate Alias Sketch Book Pro which could be used in numerous multimedia courses and Web development classes . Note! As a professional courtesy to the owner of this package, if you use some aspect of this package or have some thoughts about it, please share your feedback via the comments form below. |
web links |
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/fpg/ |
shareback |
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extra |
Last modified: Sep-07-2006 Date created: Sep-07-2006 Visitor count: 2539 Dublin Core Metadata record  This package is included in the Faculty Professional Growth Summer Project Reports special collection. |
Maricopa Learning eXchange
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/slip.php?item=01857
