We've been waiting for this day to arrive
From the whole team THANK YOU for choosing to embark on this adventure with us.
We'll need to keep you in the loop with announcements and updates, and you'll need to be able to interact with your fellow students.
Most of our communication happens via Discord as an informal way to hang out with your class and lecturers. Formal Communications from the school happen via your school assigned Outlook address. Online classes are scheduled via Microsoft Teams.
Most students will already have a Discord account, so it's just a matter of joining the server below.
If this is your first time using Discord, follow the steps to the right to get setup. Discord has multiple 'servers' that you can join and is likely to be a service you continue to access beyond your time with us. Therefore we recommend using your personal contact details to sign up, so that you can hold onto it forever.
Stick around and we'll promote you to a DCF Avenger after you graduate.
It doesn't actually confer any material benefits, but you can access a private lounge with other graduates and a special server role.
Please remember to be mindful of others and do not post offensive content, bully other students or repeatedly spam @s.
We will ban offenders and that brings shame upon your house.
Access to your school accounts requires Microsoft Single Sign On.
This is how you log into most services provided by the school, including emails, classes and more.
Access details will be provided to you by the school but usually follow the format: firstname.lastname@mds.ac.nz (although this may vary).
This account is used across a wide array of services and benefits that are afforded to you by Media Design School at Strayer.
Your course content and materials will be made available within MyLearn.
It's also where you will submit assessments for review.
Please ensure you have access to your MyLearn classes ASAP
Buying a new Computer?
If you're buying a new laptop or
gaming"study" rig for your certificate, please ensure it runs the software listed below.
Alternative software cannot be used and you may not be eligible to complete your certificate if submitted assessments have been created in other software tools.
You'll receive access to the full Adobe Suite, including additional benefits like Stock Imagery.
We'll primarily be using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro.
A complete 3D graphics, animation and compositing pipeline.
We recommend installing the LTS (Long Term Support) version.
Also recommended is BlenderKit.
Perfect for making fun and exciting 2D games that you and your friends can play for hours on end.
Once installed, please ensure you can "play" a blank game without errors
You'll receive access to the full Adobe Suite, but please install:
After Effects
Illustrator
InDesign
Photoshop
The designers toolkit for everything from ideation to prototype. Figma tools are also available in browser.
You will need to create and verify a student account
A robust programming environment for web design, easy to use and powerful enough for advanced projects.
A browser based version is also available and can be accessed via vscode.dev
Our project tracking and ideation collaboration tool, specifically designed to ensure industry best practices are adhered to during a design build. Lecturers may require you utilize DCF HUB for the development of your work to ensure your project remains on track.
Grab a hot drink, you've earned it!
We'll see you when class starts!
Media Design School at Strayer
10 Madden Street,
Wynyard Quarter
Auckland CBD
