Computer Graphics Education and the understanding of pixel plotting algorithms using Growth Aggregation models

Abstract

It is sometimes difficult to teach fundamental aspects of computer graphics, especially pixel plotting techniques, as some students fail to engage with the material. In this paper we describe a constructionist approach to help students learn about fundamental computer graphics techniques. By getting the students to develop code that performs a growth aggregation model, principally using Diffusion Limited Aggregation techniques, reflect upon that code and make a critical analysis of their own work in a report we hope the students will learn the material. An evaluation of two years of students' work, their results and various indicators suggest that this approach has been successful and the students engaged with the material better