Start Here
This site is your interactive digital textbook. Everything you need to read, watch, and build for Intro to Media Careers, Game Art & Design 1, and Game Art & Design 2 lives here.
No login required. No apps to install. It works on your computer, tablet, and phone.
Instant Search: Press Ctrl + K (Cmd + K on Mac) anywhere on this site to search every lesson, tool, shortcut, and standard code.
1. Select Your Course Track
Jump straight to your active course map to see all units, readings, and assignment specs in sequence:
2. Essential First Steps
Before starting your coursework, complete your portfolio setup and verify your computer specs:
Building a Google Sites Portfolio
Code:
CAREER-104 · Create the personal portfolio website where you will publish all your coursework.Reading a Hardware Spec Sheet
Code:
COMP-108 · Check whether your computer meets system requirements for 3D modeling & game engines.3. How Learning Works on This Site
Workflow: How You Complete Units & Assignments STUDENT GUIDE
Step 1: Check your Course Map
Open your course map and find your current unit. Units are broken down into bite-sized modules arranged in chronological order.
Open your course map and find your current unit. Units are broken down into bite-sized modules arranged in chronological order.
Step 2: Read the Preparation Module
Each assignment names the specific 5-to-10 minute reading module you need before starting. Lessons include both video guidance and written walk-throughs.
Each assignment names the specific 5-to-10 minute reading module you need before starting. Lessons include both video guidance and written walk-throughs.
Step 3: Build & Publish Your Project
Follow the step-by-step assignment spec, build your artifact in lab, and publish screenshots or video to your Google Sites portfolio.
Follow the step-by-step assignment spec, build your artifact in lab, and publish screenshots or video to your Google Sites portfolio.
Step 4: Turn in Link on Google Classroom
Due dates and grade books live in Google Classroom. When finished, submit your live portfolio URL to the matching Classroom assignment.
Due dates and grade books live in Google Classroom. When finished, submit your live portfolio URL to the matching Classroom assignment.
Troubleshooting: What to Do When You Get Stuck HELP & SUPPORT
1. Use Instant Search (Ctrl + K)
Type what you are trying to do in plain English. For example, "Why is my normal map inverted" or "Blender loop cut".
Type what you are trying to do in plain English. For example, "Why is my normal map inverted" or "Blender loop cut".
2. Check the Unit Reference Shelf
At the bottom of every unit on your course map, you'll find a reference shelf with supplemental guides and deep-dive tutorials.
At the bottom of every unit on your course map, you'll find a reference shelf with supplemental guides and deep-dive tutorials.
3. Ask Specific Questions
When asking for help in lab, point out the exact tool or step that isn't working as expected rather than saying general phrases like "it's broken."
When asking for help in lab, point out the exact tool or step that isn't working as expected rather than saying general phrases like "it's broken."
4. Software Requirements by Course
| Course | Required Software | Work Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intro to Media Careers (IMC) | Google Sites, Google Slides, Photopea, phone camera | Anywhere (browser & mobile) | Free |
| Game Art & Design 1 (GAD1) | Blender 3D, Unreal Engine 5 | Blender works at home; Unreal is lab-only | Free |
| Game Art & Design 2 (GAD2) | Blender 3D, Unreal Engine 5, Git LFS | Lab workstation | Free |
Home Workstation Note: Blender is 100% free open-source software. If your home computer can run it, installing it at home is encouraged, but you are never required to work outside of scheduled lab time.
5. Curriculum Architecture & Standards
Information: For Teachers, Administrators & Visitors ARCHITECTURAL NOTES
Decoupled Content Architecture
Lessons and assignments are decoupled from individual courses. Every module has a permanent, stable ID (e.g.
Lessons and assignments are decoupled from individual courses. Every module has a permanent, stable ID (e.g.
BLND-101) and never mentions a course name. Course maps assemble these IDs into custom pathways, allowing flexible pacing without breaking instructional materials.CDE Standards Alignment (October 2025)
Every lesson, assignment, and project connects directly to California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards for Arts, Entertainment, and Design (AED).
Every lesson, assignment, and project connects directly to California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards for Arts, Entertainment, and Design (AED).