Effective instructional animation in 3D computer graphics education

Abstract

A number of instructional animation are discussed for teaching 3D computer graphics. They are effective in their assigned task because they focus on concepts and processes that are difficult or impossible to see without animation. They also use a minimalist approach making the animations as simple as possible, focussed on what is relevant, and interactive. One animation is a program that allows students to explore viewing systems, two are concerned with ray tracing transparent objects, and one visualises the formation of marble.