Creating Interest in Computer Graphics by Teaching Game Development

Abstract

This paper describes our experiences in designing and implementing a junior/senior level undergraduate course in Game Programming at Arizona State University. We highlight the pedagogical methods employed during each of the three semesters that the class was offered. We compare our approach with established teaching methods and highlight the advantages of implementing our novel approach for teaching game development. We establish a strong connection between teaching game programming and computer graphics and show how an introductory game programming class can be an excellent way for getting junior and senior level undergraduate students excited about computer graphics.