Digital Character Development


Book Description

Every animated film and video game production spends a large percentage of its resources and time on advancing the quality of the digital characters inhabiting the world being created. This book presents the theory and practice behind the creation of digital characters for film and games using software-agnostic descriptions that apply to any animation application. It provides insight from a real production environment and the requirements that such an environment imposes. With rich illustrations and visual code examples throughout, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap to character development for both professionals and students.




Digital Character Animation 3


Book Description

Whether you’re creating animation for television, advertising, games, or multimedia, [digital] Character Animation 3 can help you bring your imagination to life. In this updated classic, both newcomers to digital animation and old hands looking to hone existing skills will find essential techniques for creating lively, professional-quality animation that are applicable to any software application. Combining the fundamentals of modeling, rigging, and animation with advanced-level information on characterization, directing, and production management, author George Maestri has created an essential resource for digital animators. [digital] Character Animation 3 is packed with beautiful new artwork and Maestri’s invaluable expert tips. Along with clear instruction on the theory and practice of foundation techniques such as rigging, walk-cycles, and lip-synch–the tutorials and exercises in this book let you practice what you’ve learned. Maestri also offers in-depth information on creating nuanced characters that feel “alive” and win audience empathy and attention. The book’s final chapter guides you through the entire filmmaking process, from story development through voice casting and animation directing.




Journal of Character Education


Book Description

The Journal of Character Education is the leading source of cutting-edge knowledge about character education research, theory, practice, and opinion. We define character education broadly to encompass all educational approaches designed to nurture students’ knowledge, motivation, skills, and behavior concerning all four aspects of character: moral, performance, civic, and intellectual. The Journal publishes manuscripts that report research relevant to character education, conceptual articles, and book reviews that provide theoretical, historical, and philosophical perspectives on the field of character education as it is broadly defined above. The Journal is also interested in practical articles about implementation and specific programs, and informed opinion statements.




Digital Character Development


Book Description

This book provides insight from a real production environment and the requirements such an environment imposes. It covers the theory and practice behind the development of digital characters for film and games using rigging concepts, algorithms, and techniques via software-agnostic descriptions that apply to any animation application. The book presents the anatomical considerations for rigging a character alongside the expectations of an animator, a road map for character development is carefully laid out through rich illustrations and visual code examples.




Introducing Character Animation with Blender


Book Description

Introducing Character Animation with Blender, 2nd Edition is written in a friendly but professional tone, with clear descriptions and numerous illustrative screenshots. Throughout the book, tutorials focus on how to accomplish actual animation goals, while illustrating the necessary technical methods along the way. These are reinforced by clear descriptions of how each specific aspect of Blender works and fits together with the rest of the package. By following all the tutorials, the reader will gain all the skills necessary to build and animate a well-modeled, fully-rigged character of their own. The character built over the course of the tutorials is included as a .blend file on the DVD, for the reader to experiment with and learn from. Introducing Character Animation with Blender, 2nd Edition is inspiring as well as educational. A color insert includes sample characters and frames from animations by many of the Blender community's most talented artists, which help to illustrate the impressive potential of the software.




Social Emotional Stories


Book Description

Make social emotional learning fun and engaging with 24 ready-to-use lessons about phenomenal plants and astonishing animals. Storytelling is a learning device used by humans for centuries, and for good reason: storytelling is one of the best ways to increase critical thinking skills and social emotional learning (SEL). The award-winning Social Emotional Stories combines storytelling with thought-provoking lessons and activities to help elementary students improve their self-esteem, increase their engagement with school, and give them a sense of empowerment. The book contains 24 individual lessons that include: An SEL objective with specific keywords like “inner strength,” “problem solving,” and “responsibility” An engaging story that focuses on a distinctive quality of either a plant (like the inner strength of bamboo) or an animal (like the courage of a pig) Multiple activities that are quick, easy, and require few supplies to help kids identify and dive deeper into the specific SEL concepts represented Educators can use these lessons individually with students, in small groups, or with an entire class. The lessons are interdisciplinary and flexible, with only minimal prep time required, allowing educators to adapt them for their situation. Extensive digital content supports the lessons with reproducible forms and a full-color photo of each plant and animal.




The Routledge International Handbook of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Character Development, Volume I


Book Description

Drawing from philosophy, religion, biology, behavioral and social sciences, and the arts, The Routledge International Handbooks of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Character Development, Volumes I and II, present cutting-edge scholarship about the concept of character across the life span, the developmental and contextual bases of character, and the key organizations of societal sectors, within and across nations, that promote character development in individuals, families, and communities. This first volume, Conceptualizing and Defining Character, explores the foundations of the field by providing an array of interdisciplinary approaches to character development, including economics, education, law, literature, military science, philosophy, and many more. With contributions from international experts, Volume I brings together cutting-edge research and discusses instances of character development, including civic character, courage, fairness, forgiveness, gratitude, morality, tolerance, and thankfulness. This comprehensive publication is an essential reference for researchers and graduate students in behavioral sciences, biology, philosophy, theology, and economics, as well as practitioners leading or evaluating character education or character development programs around the world. Find Volume II: Moderators, Threats, and Contexts here: www.routledge.com/9781032172453




The Routledge International Handbook of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Character Development, Volume II


Book Description

Drawing from philosophy, religion, biology, behavioral and social sciences, and the arts, The Routledge International Handbooks of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Character Development, Volumes I and II, present cutting-edge scholarship about the concept of character across the life span, the developmental and contextual bases of character, and the key organizations of societal sectors, within and across nations, that promote character development in individuals, families, and communities. This second volume, Moderators, Threats, and Contexts, focuses on the moderators and covariates of character development with chapters pertaining to cultural- and contextual-based exemplars of character development; grit, achievement, and resilience; hope for the future; and parenting and self-regulation. With contributions from international experts, Volume II goes on to discuss threats to moral, positive, or virtuous character development, as well as the different contexts wherein the character is studied and promoted. Special attention is paid to the centers of excellence at universities around the world that specialize in character development research and character education. This comprehensive publication is an essential reference for researchers and graduate students in behavioral sciences, biology, philosophy, theology, and economics, as well as practitioners leading or evaluating character education or character development programs around the world. Find Volume I: Conceptualizing and Defining Character here: www.routledge.com/9781032169491




AI: Teach me How to Write a Book - Second Edition


Book Description

"AI: Teach Me How to Write a Book - 2nd Edition" is a comprehensive guide designed for writers at all levels to harness the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence in creative writing. This book offers a deep dive into the integration of AI tools with traditional writing practices, aimed at enhancing creativity, improving narrative structure, and optimizing the writing process across various genres. Key Features AI Tools and Techniques: The book introduces readers to a variety of AI tools that can assist in plot generation, character development, and emotional depth. It discusses how these tools can serve as co-creators, helping you, the writer, to generate ideas, overcome creative blocks, and refine their narratives. Practical Application: Each chapter is structured to provide actionable advice on how to apply AI in real-world writing scenarios. This includes prompts, how-to guides, and step-by-step instructions on getting AI to collaborate in everything from drafting dialogues to world-building. Genre-Specific Writing Assistance: The content is tailored to address the specific needs of different genres, including science fiction, fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, ensuring that the guidance is relevant and applicable to a your specific field. Balancing AI and Human Creativity: A significant focus is placed on maintaining your voice in control and ensuring that AI complements rather than overrides the human creative process. This is crucial if you are concern about the authenticity and originality of your work. Ethical Considerations: The book also explores the ethical implications of using AI in writing, discussing topics like authorship, originality, and the responsible use of AI tools. Structure The publication, 600+ long, is divided into several key sections, each focusing on different aspects of AI-assisted writing: Introduction to AI in Writing: This part covers the basics of AI technologies and sets the stage for their application in creative writing. Developing Characters and Plot with AI: Detailed chapters discuss how AI can aid in developing complex characters and intricate plots, with tools for emotional analysis and dynamic storytelling. Enhancing Dialogue and Narrative: The book offers strategies for using AI to craft realistic dialogue and maintain narrative coherence, providing examples of how AI can enhance narrative depth and reader engagement. World-Building: Extensive guidelines on using AI to create vivid, immersive worlds, especially in genres like fantasy and science fiction where detailed world-building is pivotal. Specialized Applications: Separate areas of the book address the use of AI in specific genres, providing tailored advice for crafting genre-specific narratives and character archetypes. Practical Exercises and Prompts: Throughout the book, readers are encouraged to engage with practical exercises and AI-generated prompts to practice the skills discussed. In few words The publication concludes with a look at the future of AI in writing, discussing upcoming trends and how you can stay ahead of the curve. It emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation, encouraging us to evolve with technology while staying true to their creative vision. "AI: Teach Me How to Write a Book - 2nd Edition" is ideal for aspiring and experienced writers like you, interested in integrating technology into their creative process. It is also useful for educators and students in creative writing courses seeking to understand the intersection of technology and literature. This detailed guide combines theoretical insights with practical advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the possibilities of AI in enhancing the art of writing.




Web 2.0 How-to for Educators, 2nd Edition


Book Description

Ignite creativity by weaving Web 2.0 tools into the classroom. In this expanded and fully updated edition, the authors of the best-selling Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools introduce you to more collaborative tools and expertly lead you through classroom and professional applications that help expand student and teacher learning.