Welcome to the Course

Welcome to SGD214. My name is Marc Tucker. I am your instructor. This course provides a look into the advanced topics of 3d Modeling. Topics include Character, Environment and Vehicle modeling as well as render analysis and portfolio creation. Please read the following information carefully.

Online Course Orientation

Online students are strongly encouraged to complete one of CPCC’s Distance Learning Student Orientation sessions. Online orientation information is available on the Distance Learning website. You can access this website by clicking on the STUDENT RESOURSES button on the left menu. Online courses are very popular among our students, largely because they are perceived as being more convenient. A few words of caution: if you do not have continuous access to a working computer, if you are not computer literate or if you have difficulty working independently on course material, I strongly suggest that you consider withdrawing from the online section of this course. Students who are hard-working, self-disciplined and have ready access to the required technology typically do well in online courses. Others do not do well.If you have any questions or concerns about the technological aspects of this course, please call CPCC's Information Technology Services (ITS) at 704 330 5000.

Contacting the Instructor

If at any time during the semester you have questions about course material or concerns about your progress, please contact me. The best way to reach me is via email. I check my email several times a day and reply promptly. Be sure to email me through Blackboard (click on the COMMUNICATION button on the left side of the screen) and to include the course number and section number in the subject line of every email you send to me. Failure to email me through Blackboard or to include the required information in the subject line of your emails will result in my being unable to respond to your emails. You may also come and see me during my office hours. My office is located on CPCC’s Central Campus – fifth floor, room 5118. Please click on the INSTRUCTOR button on the left side of the screen for information regarding my office hours. You may also contact me via telephone at 704 330 6894.

Announcements

Please check Announcements frequently. I will post important information, updates and reminders in Announcements throughout the semester.

Assignments

The ASSIGNMENTS button (located on the left side of the main page) is the most important tool bar in this site. Click on Assignments to learn about the modules (units of study) we'll be covering in this course, as well as specific assignments for each module.

Course Calendar

Click on the COURSE CALENDAR button (located on the left side of the main page) to learn which modules will be covered when. Information concerning exams and assignment due dates may also be included in the course calendar. To be successful in this course, you'll need to follow the course calendar and be careful not to fall behind.

Discussion Board

Click on the DISCUSSION BOARD button (located on the left side of the main page) to access the Discussion Board. The Discussion Board will provide opportunities for you to discuss topics related to the course and to receive feedback from your fellow students and your instructor.

First Assignment

Here’s your first assignment. By Sunday, Aug 23 at 11:59 p.m. you will need to do the following:

1. Explore this Blackboard site.
2. Click on all of the tool bars (located on the left side of the main page) to become familiar with the structure of the course. If you have any technical questions, please contact Distance Learning or Instructional Technology Services.
3. Obtain a CPCC Snap Account if you do not already have one (contact ITS for more information).
4. Complete a Distance Learning Student Orientation.
5. To complete this assignment:
a. Click on the SYLLABUS button on the left side of the screen.
b. Read the complete syllabus carefully.
c. After having read and understood the entire syllabus, click on the ASSIGNMENTS button on the left menu, click on “Do This First” and complete all stated activities. Failure to complete this assignment by Sunday, Aug 23 at 11:59 p.m. may result in your being dropped from the course.

Once again, the best way to communicate with me is via email. Please make sure that you always include the course number and section number in the subject line when sending me an email. I’m looking forward to working with you this semester.If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Have a great semester!

Marc