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