Using an Assessment Tool to Create Sandboxes for Computer Graphics Teaching in an Online Environment

Computer graphics requires a diverse range of skills such as programming, mathematics, problem solving, and design. Many educators teach it in an hands-on manner, which poses challenges in distance education. In this research we investigate how CodeRunner, a web-based automatic assessment tool, can be used to create sandboxes enabling students to experiment with and learn computer graphics concepts in an online environment aligned with the used assessment technology. We show that sandboxes are most useful if a subtle balance is created between freedom to experiment, and minimising required knowledge and effort to implement a concept. Also, a large number of examples illustrating the capabilities of the sandbox should be given, and sandboxes should be clearly assigned to concepts taught in class. The technology was used with a class of 284 students and our evaluation and survey results (n=57) show that students found the sandboxes helpful for learning and preparing them for the assessments. Students used them not only for practicing taught concepts, but also for solving previous years’ exam questions, and experimenting with new ideas.