A top-down approach to teaching introductory computer graphics

Abstract

There are two common strategies for teaching introductory computer graphics (CG) programming. The first and most traditional covers the CG field in a bottom-up manner starting from fundamental algorithms such as triangle rasterization. The second proceeds in a top-down manner by analyzing the functional modules of applications. This paper argues that the top-down approach is well-suited for mature adult students. A course that has successfully implemented a top-down approach is then described.