Digital-Tutors announced the worldwide availability of INTRODUCTION TO 3D: ZBRUSH BASICS training kit -- the latest release in a series of industry leading training resources for digital artists.

Discreet has launched Discreet Design Academy (DDA), a secondary school program designed by educators and Discreet to bring new visual communications-based learning experiences and skills into the classroom.

Luxology Llc. announced the educational version of modo, its powerful new subdivision surface and polygonal modeling platform. With "Good Student" pricing starting at $99, and $149 for academic institutions, faculty members and other students, Luxology's new pricing structure makes it easy and cost effective to experience one of the fastest and most advanced 3D modeling systems currently available.

The National College of Arts (NCA) has launched six-month courses in animation and video production in collaboration with French art institution Ecole-d’ Art. TV producer Shaukat Zainul Abidin, writer Asghar Nadeem Syed, former Ptv Lahore general manager SM Anwar and UN goodwill ambassador Faryal Gauhar will serve as the faculty members. The college will also get assistance from the Ministry of Information and Technology and Telecom Division to run the courses.

The Savannah College of Art and Design revealed the addition of eight new faculty members, including a new chair of the visual effects department, to the School of Film and Digital Media.

* Shawn Bulloch joins the School of Film and Digital Media as a part-time professor of film and television. Bulloch received a master of fine arts degree in film and television from SCAD and a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Savannah State University.

AnimationStar, a new and affordable PC-based animation workstation that will let students capture human motions and animate computer characters, will make its debut to high school educators at the National School Board's T+ L2 Conference in Denver, Oct. 27-29.

The Art Institute of Vancouver and The Art Institute of California - San Francisco have formed an international partnership and articulation agreement allowing students to complete certificate or diploma programs in Vancouver and continue their studies by earning Bachelor of Science degrees in San Francisco.

Digital-Tutors announced the availability of the much anticipated INTRODUCTION TO 3D: MEL BASICS training kit – the newest release in a library of helpful and award-winning training resources for Maya users. In more than two and a half hours of interactive training methods, INTRODUCTION TO 3D: MEL BASICS offers users the foundation to rapidly develop and enhance workflow with unsurpassed levels of productivity.

Noel Goin, a Media Arts & Animation instructor at The Art institute of California – Orange County, is one of two Americans invited to teach animation workshops to local Caribbean artists, as a part of Animae Caribe 2004, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2004, in Trinidad.

The Art Institute of Portland is offering a new Bachelor of Science degree program in Visual & Game Programming to help give students the skills they need to stand out in these growing fields.

Scheduled to launch on Oct. 7, 2004, at the start of fall quarter, the Visual & Game Programming curriculum begins with courses in foundation art and general studies, building in a strong foundation in mathematics and science as well as design courses. After a few quarters, students may focus on one of two tracks: technical directing or toward programming.