Software & Skills

Using the right software when creating digital outcomes is important because it ensures that the final product is functional, efficient, and meets the specific needs of the project.

The software chosen can affect everything from the design and layout to the overall user experience. Using the wrong software can lead to problems such as compatibility issues, slow performance, and difficulty in making changes or updates.

Choosing the right software can also help streamline the workflow and make the development process more efficient. Overall, using the right software is essential for creating high-quality and successful digital outcomes.

The software listed below are some suggestions and not limited to but take into account needing to have suitable options for both Junior & NCEA. Adapt and change list to suit your students needs.

Website Creation

Development Environments that can be accessed for free and used all the way to Year 13

Repl.it
Visual Studio

https://www.simplilearn.com/top-web-development-ides-and-career-tips-article

Website Builder Options

Note: if you use these then they are to house other digital content that has been created by the student i.e. imagery, videos, animations etc. These are not suitable as a digital outcome alone for NCEA DT Assessment at L1,2 or 3.

Squarespace
Wix
Wordpress

https://www.browserstack.com/guide/top-web-design-tools

Programming

Suitable for up to Year 10

Scratch

Development Environments that can be accessed for free and used all the way to Year 13

Repl.it
Visual Studio
Jetbrains
Eclipse

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/best-ide-software/

3D Design for Manufacture

This software is suitable for 3D printing, lasercutting, CNC machining and milling.

Can be accessed for free and used all the way to Year 13

Fusion 360 - Industry Standard. Students sign up for a free educational license and renew each year. Lots of scope, including running simulations to validate designs
Tinkercad - would have to do a lot more than dragging and dropping pre-made assets for Level 2 & 3
FreeCad

When beginning you could use Inkscape to introduce this area if using a laser cutter. It would be suitable to use to Level 1 for Design for Manufacture but students at Level 2 & 3 should be using software like Fusion.

https://all3dp.com/2/fusion-360-alternatives/

Image Creation

Access for free

Inkscape
Gimp
Piskel

Paid

Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop

https://www.pixpa.com/blog/graphic-design-software

https://conceptartempire.com/pixel-art-software/

3D Modelling & Animation

Access for free

Blender - awesome for all year levels
Akeytsu

Paid

Adobe 3d Animation Suite
Maya

https://all3dp.com/1/best-20-3d-animation-software/

https://www.cgspectrum.com/blog/what-is-the-best-2d-animation-software

Video Game Design

With a video game design outcome, programming can be assessed however ensuring authenticity of student work has become hard with the number of online tutorials. Focusing on the game design environment and creating an enjoyable experience rather than programming, image creation, sound assets etc.

Access for free and mainly suitable for Junior level