The grant received from the Ian Karten Charitable Trust has enabled Cantraybridge to set up their first Digital Studio complete with Computers, 3D scanners/printers and VR headsets.
21 Young people with additional support needs have benefited from our course on Digital Animation. They have completed the beginners course which was so successful that they have progressed to the intermediary course. All students using the digital equipment are gaining in confidence and are working on individual projects which range from animation to 3D modelling.
Some students have bought their own computers so that they can do more learning at home in their own time and showcase what they have done to their peers on the course.
Our students in the wood skills department have also benefited by having a 3D scanner/printer in their department. This printer has been fitted with a woodburning lazer engraver which has opened up the possibilities within the department and students have been making small items that are being displayed and sold in our café area.
Not only can we include more digital literacy in the department, but we can increase our product range and enhance things made by including greater detail. The following images of coasters are an example of increasing product range. Also included is a bird table showing how we can personalize and enhance the detail on products. This can lead to enhanced design and creative possibilities for our students.
We are also running a Camera Club in the Digital Studio where we are editing photographs using the computers. Some of the photographs taken by students are being superimposed onto wood and will be sold in our café. An example below.
We have also been in touch with Chris Creed from Birmingham university and are assisting him in the research of Intelligent Coding assistants. This should lead to more learning for our students and enablers alike.
Case study – Gareth
One of our students, Gareth (Gaz) has really enjoyed the courses run in our Digital Studio and the experience gave him the confidence to apply for a trial run by a computer gaming company called Outplay. This involved Gaz working on new games that Outplay wanted to market and finding glitches or errors within the game. Gaz has been so successful in this that it is likely he will be offered an employed position with the company.
Case study Mhairi Jane
Mhairi Jane had an accident the day before and wanted some quiet time to work. The printer was a suitable distraction from our typical work and she was thrilled with the item she made and left feeling calm and saying how happy she was.
Article meta data
Clicking on any of the links in this section will take you to other articles that have been tagged in the same category.
- This article was written by the Cantraybridge College Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Spring 2023 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Case Study, Centre News