Your Questions Answered
- Is there a Code of Conduct, for class participation?
Yes, there is a code of conduct that must be adhearded to at all times. To read the code of conduct click here>>
- I am unsure about online learning. How is it different?
Online courses are very different. They require a considerable amount of dedication and enthusiasm as you work mostly alone. You must be self-driven and disciplined enough to learn and do the assignments or you will fall behind the rest of the class.
As most communication is written you must take the time to write clearly and succinctly so the Instructor and rest of the class will understand your input. The good part is that there are no time restrictions and you can do you work at any time and at any pace as long as you meet the weekly deadlines.
- How old do I have to be to do a CGWorkshops course?
CGWorkshops only accept students over the age of 18 years.
- Where are the Workshops held - do I need to be at any one place?
Workshops are held online. That means you can participate from the privacy of your own home, anywhere in the world. All you need is a web connection.
- Are there class times?
There are no class times; you can read the documents and assignments at your leisure. Assignments are done on your own computer, with your own software (see each class' requirements). All discussions are posted in a secure online forum.
- How much time will the course work take each week?
Around six hours a week. However this depends on how fast you work and how much time you want to put into your assignments. On average tutorials will take approximately one hour to complete. Assignments should be able to be completed to an adequate standard in around 4-5 hours.
- What sort of content is presented by the instructor? Is it written content or is it video?
Course content is presented in a mixture of written format and video. It depends entirely on how the instructor wishes to present their weekly tutorials.
- How does interaction with the Instructor and other students happen?
During the course, you get constant feedback from the Instructor on your assignment work. Replies are given on a regular basis for the duration of the course. As all assignments are posted on a forum, so you can always refer back to the comments posted by the instructor.
- How do I pay? Do I have to use a credit card?
Because of the time delays and currency exchange issues we can only accept payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) or Pay Pal. If you do not have a credit card, Paypal can be set up through your bank and debit card. See http://paypaloffers.com.au/addbankaccount.html
- When do I have to pay?
You pay at the same time as you enroll. By clicking on the Enroll link for a promoted CGWorkshop, you are starting the process of payment.
- Are CGWorkshops accredited?
CGWorkshops are not yet accredited. Students who complete at least 90% of the course will be issued Certificates of Completion.
- What if something happens and I am unable to complete the course?
If you begin and realize the course is really not for you - you can cancel your enrolment within 6 days of the start of the course (i.e. Before the distribution of the second week’s study materials) and we will refund your fees less a 10% cancellation fee.
If you cannot complete a course due to ill health or other circumstances genuinely beyond your control, please contact the CGWorkshops Manager immediately. Refunds are processed case by case. We only refund fees equal to the undelivered proportion of the course (i.e. if a 8 week course is terminated due to unforeseen circumstances directly after the delivery of the week 4 tutorial students will be refunded 50% of the enrollment fee).
The decision to refund will be made totally at CGWorkshops discretion. In some cases we will refund ‘course credits' (access to another course at no charge) that may be used at a later date.
- What skill level do I need before I can enroll in courses?
This will vary from course to course and specific, minimum skill requirements will be clearly stated on the course information page.
We require students to upload examples of their work before the course begins. While the work will not be judged if the Instructor feels the student may not have a sufficient skill level to complete the course we will contact them to discuss the alternatives.
- What programs do I need?
All courses will run on standard web browsers. Software for specific courses will depend on the course and will be clearly stated on the site. Where possible, courses will be designed to allow students to learn similar techniques with different applications or with Personal Learning Editions of particular software packages.
- Do CGWorkshops work on Mac or PC?
Both, all workshops work on a forum platform within a web browser. Some courses require students to have particular software packages. Software requirements are outlined with the other course details.
- What if I run an older operating system?
CGWorkshops is tailored to work efficiently using Firefox but content can still be viewed using other browsers like IE, Safari, Mozilla etc. It is always helpful to have the latest version of the browser you are using to minimize any difficulties.
- Can I get technical support if I have problems during the course?
CGWorkshops will provide technical support insofar as it relates to the operation of the CGWorkshops' website, the course forum software, and the transfer of course materials. We cannot assist with Internet connection problems at the students end, faulty hardware, or problems with student's individual software packages.
CGWorkshops presume that all students use legally licensed software packages and are able to receive any technical support that is supplied with those packages.
- Do I need broadband to do the course?
Yes. Our workshops deliver video, assets and text content. Each course has a set of requirements that will be published before registration opens. We will indicate if you need a broadband connection.
- Do I need a webcam?
No, due to bandwidth variation currently no Workshops use video.
- Can I upload other personal projects to be critiqued during the course?
No, there are other forums for that. The course forum must be kept for work related to the course and you can only upload course assignments and other work as requested by the Instructor.
- Can I see other student's work and can they see mine?
Yes, the interaction between the students of a particular course is an important part of the workshop structure. You will learn from each other and from the feedback each of you receive from the Instructor.
- What if I don't get my assignments in on time?
Many course sessions will build on the instruction and the assignment issued on the previous week. If you don't get work done on time you will rapidly fall behind and probably not be able to complete the assignments to follow. If you do not complete at least 90% of the course you won't be eligible for the Certificate of Completion.
- Can I talk to other students?
Yes, you can talk on the private forum with your course's homepage.
- Do you have live chatrooms?
No, students and the Instructor can communicate via the forum and private mail within the CGWorkshops site. Some courses may schedule live interaction but that decision is made by the Instructor and will be dependant on the relative time zones of all the course participants.
- How does interaction with the Instructor and other students happen?
During the course, you get constant feedback from the Instructor on your assignment work. Replies are given on a regular basis (at least every three days) for the duration of the course. As all assignments are posted on a forum, you can always refer back to the comments posted by the instructor.
- How does CGWorkshops compare to Animation Mentor and Gnomon?
CGWorkshops should never be compared to institutions such as Animation Mentor and Gnomon. CGWorkshops is not a school - we only provide a conduit for running short courses on specific topics online. CGWorkshops is all about getting the right instructors to personally teach people how to create great art!
- Where do CGWorkshops' Instructors come from?
Everywhere! Our Instructors are artists and technicians from within the worldwide CG Community they all have had experience working in the industry, have had their work published and are recognized as leaders in their field of expertise.
- Do CGWorkshops use the same instructors all the time?
No, CGWorkshops enter into a joint venture agreement with the Instructors on a course-by-course basis. Instructors may do one course or many courses, regularly or randomly depending on the demand for the course and the Instructor's availability.
- Can I take CGWorkshops in place of going to school?
No, we are not an accredited training institution and you need to be over 18 to do a course.
- Will I get a job from doing CGWorkshops?
Only you can answer that. CGWorkshops' courses are usually quite specific and we envisage people from all areas will use them to hone or diversify their skill base.
- Do CGWorkshops have holidays?
No, Courses run over 8 week blocks all through the year.
- How do I get to be an Instructor?
We are looking for new Instructors all the time. There is no set qualification for Instructors however we do expect them to be recognized in their particular field of expertise and prefer them to have had work published in media other than their personal websites and/or show reels. Instructors devise and prepare their own course material and it remains their property.
For other answers to questions not addressed here in the FAQ, contact the CGWorkshops Manager. |
