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In this section:
In this section:
◉ We will learn how to model using the free online tool TinkerCAD, and use it to make a body and a building.
◉ We will learn how to model using the free online tool TinkerCAD, and use it to make a body and a building.
◉ We will learn how to animate a virtual body using the free online tool Mixamo.
◉ We will learn how to animate a virtual body using the free online tool Mixamo.
◉ We will learn how to export animations from Mixamo so we can use them in our digital places later.
◉ We will learn how to export animations from Mixamo so we can use them in our digital places later.
◉ Optional: We will learn how to make GIFs using the free Chrome Extension CapturetoaGIF
◉ Optional: We will learn how to make GIFs using the free Chrome Extension CapturetoaGIF
Key Concept: We always move through spaces in bodies, and we move through virtual spaces in both our physical bodies and in virtual bodies. Understanding how virtual bodies are made, and the limits and assumptions built into the tools for making them, can help us re-think our own assumptions about bodies.
Key Concept: We always move through spaces in bodies, and we move through virtual spaces in both our physical bodies and in virtual bodies. Understanding how virtual bodies are made, and the limits and assumptions built into the tools for making them, can help us re-think our own assumptions about bodies.
Key Concept: Moving through a place in a body can produce knowledge and understanding of that place that wouldn't be realized otherwise. Experiencing a place through a map, or a computer-assisted-design program, is very different from experiencing it as a body moving through it.
Key Concept: Moving through a place in a body can produce knowledge and understanding of that place that wouldn't be realized otherwise. Experiencing a place through a map, or a computer-assisted-design program, is very different from experiencing it as a body moving through it.
NOTE: In this module, we will be downloading a lot of files. Usually, browsers by default automatically stick all downloads in a "Downloads" folder that can be quite hard for students to find. To make things simpler, we recommend setting up your browser to ask where to save files (tutorial link).
Modeling IN TINKERCAD*
Modeling IN TINKERCAD*
We're going to learn how to make models using the free, entry-level online 3D modeling tool TinkerCAD. We're going to create a structure and a humanoid figure. These might end up in your final world, but if you're not sure what you want to do yet, that's okay, too.
Follow the tutorial below to get started with TinkerCAD.
Once you're comfortable using TinkerCAD, take some time to make two models (these should be separate TinkerCAD projects, and not be together in the same space):
Make a structure that could be in a virtual space. This might be a building, a statue, a functional structure like a bridge, or something that doesn't fit into any category.
Make a humanoid figure in a "T-pose" that we can animate. In 3D animation, a "humanoid" figure means if has a head, a body, two arms, and two legs. (There are, of course, plenty of humans in this world who don't have exactly two arms and two legs! The animation system we'll be using requires that of our models, though - maybe they should use a more accurate word than "humanoid"...).
Export both as .OBJs
Before we can animate our models or put them in our virtual worlds, we need to export them. Follow the tutorial below to export your models:
*Note: If you cannot use TinkerCAD in your setting because of its log-in requirements, you can use the free online sculpting tool SculptGL instead.
-Here is a tutorial for using SculptGL.
-Here is a tutorial for exporting a ScultpGL model to use in other tools, like Mixamo and PlayCanvas.
MoVING A BODY USING MIXAMO
MoVING A BODY USING MIXAMO
Follow the tutorial below to "rig" your body with a skeleton, and animate it.
Next, we'll export some animation files from Mixamo that will allow us to add our animated characters into our virtual world.
OPTION: Making gifs of your animated characters
OPTION: Making gifs of your animated characters
Follow the tutorial below to capture animated gifs of your animated characters using the free Chrome extension Capture to a GIF, and to further modify them using the website GIPHY.
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