Projects & Events

Students complete two major projects during the program, both of which they showcase to the entire group. Mid-week, teams of students complete a mini-challenge to produce a Weekbook. This includes creating a web site, video and a promotional poster of their experience to date. This sets the stage for the final two days devoted to the Final Team Challenge, a team-based project that challenges students' creativity and knowledge.

Beyond classes and projects, other events scheduled include:

IT Field Trips

We are fortunate in Vermont to have access to many premier information technology companies. Field trips may include visits to the places such as and Ascension Technology and Jager DiPaula and Kemp. Ascension Technology is one of the leaders in 3D motion capture devices. Motion capture is used in the film, medical and game design industries to capture data about movement and then ascribe it to 3D characters and even medical procedures. Jager, DiPaula and Kemp is a premier international design firm. At JDK studios, we've met designers and IT personnel, viewed their network systems, and learned how designers use technology creatively to produce videos, interactive pieces, publications, identity systems, even hard goods such as sneakers and Burton Snowboards. JDK designed the X-Box 360 for Microsoft and the casing for intuitive Segway.

Visiting Speakers

You never know who will speak at GIV IT! We have hosted young entrepreneurs and game designers. In 2006 young entrepreneurs, Dave Winslow and Alex Broussard met with the students to talk about what it is like to start a high tech firm in Vermont. EpicOne directs client interactions, establishes tier two based relationships with web hosting, business consulting, marketing/design type companies and software resellers. Previously game designer Patrick Fortier of Ubisoft spoke about his career and the skills it takes to enter the industry. Engineer Jim Reda from Videk Corp. spoke about his business and the following year he began teaching for us.

Murder Mystery Dinner

To design computer games we must learn to create environments and tell stories. We do just this by becoming part of a live murder mystery game in the form of a dinner! This very special dinner was led by Sarah Jerger of the Emergent Media Center at Champlain College.

Afternoon at the Movies

What would summer be like without a summer movie to see? Movies we've seen in the past include Spiderman, War of the Worlds, the Hulk, Cars and Wall-E -- always a title that combines the future, heros and great computer graphics.

Miniature Golf

One of our traditional favorites that allows the students to get to know other students and faculty outside of the classrooms.

Beach and Barbecue

We look for perfect weather abut even if it rains, it is a chance for our campers to kick back from classes, get to know each other better, play and relax. Oh, sweet summer!