Download - The Graphics Teaching Tool
The Graphics Teaching Tool
Anne Spalter, Dana Tenneson, Andy van Dam
Brown University
Inspiration
Knowledge of computer graphics becoming part of basic IT literacy needed in many industries and academic areas (from art to engineering to multimedia and beyond)
Most tutorials dull and do not address students own projects: show how but not why
Most tools for teaching basic concepts in computer graphics aimed at technical audiences
Professional programs not designed to teach underlying concepts
Photoshop
Great program but…
Over 50 tools Over 100 filters Tools
names/imagesbased on historical developments
Not designed to teach
Illustrator
Also a great program, but…
Similar number of tools/options
Ink pen metaphor not nearly as helpful as brush metaphor
3D Studio Max
One of several great 3D packages, but…
Countless icons, menu choices
Shift from metaphor to more technical language
The GTT
Simplified interface
Tools represent key functional areas
Not production-oriented, but not toy system—fun, useful
Pedagogical Strategies
Constructivist action vs. reading/lecture real-world problems can be tackled
Simplified tool set to convey key functionality
Integrated 2D/3D/raster/vector environment to encourage experimentation among program types
Interaction with underlying models to give students more accurate, useful mental models when using professional software
GTT Live Demo