Although it is the holidays, Year 13 student Michael Anand is working hard at school to fine-tune his 3D Design assignment.
Michael’s passion for the course stems from growing up playing Nintendo 64 games, and building with Lego. But the introduction to Blender 3D Design software has opened up a new world of possibility to create his own games and models. “Whatever you can think of you can create, with a basic understanding of the software," he says.
Digital Design teacher Rangituhia Hollis believes the 3D Design course at MHS is unique in New Zealand. Its strengths are in:
- Developing students’ understanding of self-directed learning.
- Connecting students with experts in the community.
- Offering flexibility in the type of outputs students can create to suit their wider interests.
"Michael has only studied Interactive Design this year, and the quality of his work is outstanding. He puts the effort in, but he also benefits from the learning approach. Students can come up with their own ideas, but then must get feedback from experts to develop the idea. It exposes them to how professionals work, and takes their skills to a much higher level."
Michael plans to study Electrical Engineering at AUT next year. He is open, however, to a potential collision of career pathways. “My Dad tells me to do something I like, but I like a lot of things.”
Explore Michael's interactive 3D Robot City
Explore Michael's interactive 3D Robot City