SIGGRAPH 2003 Educators Program Explores the Interdisciplinary Use of Computer Graphics, Computer Graphics Applications, and Teaching of Computer Graphics.

Business Editors/Education Writers/High-Tech Writers

SIGGRAPH 2003

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2003

Program Offers Paper, Panel, Forum and QuickTake Presentations

ACM SIGGRAPH today announced the content for the Educators Program for SIGGRAPH 2003, the 30th International Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, being held July 27-31, 2003 at the San Diego Convention Center. The Educators Program explores the interdisciplinary use of computer graphics across numerous content areas and presents the content in four different presentation formats.

"Themed 'Building Bridges,' the SIGGRAPH 2003 Educators Program content explores the interdisciplinary use of computer graphics, computer graphics applications and the teaching of computer graphics," said John Finnegan, Educators Program chair from Purdue University. "We have content from Art, Art History, Museum Exhibitions, Theater Design, Interior Design as well as the mathematics and computer science discipline. This content offers attendees an incredible opportunity to expand their personal and professional horizons in the use of computer graphics as a teaching tool in their area of specialization and enables them to explore possible collaborations outside their specific discipline."

The SIGGRAPH 2003 Educators Program content is presented in traditional paper and panel formats. There are nine papers and eight panels. In addition, the popular forum presentations started at SIGGRAPH 2001 continue. A forum is an interactive discussion where moderator and attendees discuss relevant issues. There are seven forums scheduled.

New for 2003 are eight QuickTakes. These are a pedagogical (learning about teaching) 10-minute presentations. The concept is for presenters to put ideas in front of other attendees to get feedback and ideas for further research or improve teaching techniques.

Below are highlights from SIGGRAPH 2003 Educators Program content:

Papers

Computer Simulation Technology and Teaching and Learning Interior
Lighting Design
Jin Feng, Purdue University

This paper shares the author's experience of using computer
simulation technology in an interior lighting design class to improve
the teaching and learning environment. The focus of discussion is on
how the simulation technology can change teaching and learning, enrich
and expand the course contents, and access unlimited resources beyond
physical and fiscal limitations.


Polynomiography and Applications in Art, Education, and Science
Bahman Kalantari, Rutgers University

Polynomiography is the art and science of visualization in
approximation of zeros of polynomials. Informally, polynomiography
allows one to take colorful pictures of polynomials and subsequently
re-color them using one's own creativity and artistry. Polynomiography
has tremendous applications in art, education, and science. From the
artistic point of view, one can learn to produce the most exquisite,
complex, and diverse set of images. From the educational point of
view, it can be used in high school or college courses to teach
mathematical concepts: the algebra and geometry of complex numbers,
the notions of limit and continuity, algorithms for polynomial
root-finding and iteration functions such as Newton's method,
geometric constructs such as Voronoi regions, and fractal sets. From
the scientific point of view, polynomiography is a powerful tool for
viewing polynomials and for discovering new properties of these
fundamental objects of science.


Panels

Animating Art History: Building a Bridge Between Disciplines
Kelli Butz, Stevie Gardiner, Shaun Jennings, Bruce Massey, LiQin Tan,
Roberta K. Tarbell, Robert Wuilfe, Rutgers University

This groundbreaking, interdisciplinary project challenges
traditional educational methodologies, embraces the possibilities of
new technology, and uses advanced 3D animation to create original and
dynamic tools for classroom use. The course presents difficult
concepts in art history to students within the framework of a fully
realized animation segment. Through plot, humor, and visual
exaggeration, the animation captures student imaginations and
facilitates learning. This panel discusses the effectiveness of
collaboration between the disciplines of art history and animation and
engages the audience in a discussion of computer animation's potential
for transforming other fields of study. The presentation demonstrates
that computer animation offers educators everywhere a new way to
engage the interest of students and create enthusiasm for knowledge.


Moving Clocks and Bending Space: A Learning/Interactive Museum
Environment (LIME)
Geralyn Abinader, Richard Guy, Molly Lenore, Joseph Stein, Gretchen
Walker, American Museum of Natural History

The process of creating a successful exhibition at the American
Museum of Natural History involves a dialogue between those who write
the content and those who create the content's presentation. This
panel explores creation and evaluation of two non-traditional exhibits
(Moving Clocks and You Bend Space-Time) from the current Einstein
exhibition. It describes the scientific and philosophical ideas that
fueled their conception, explains the design and technological
choices, and examines how educational media experiences are evaluated.


Producing a Real-World Student Group Project
Kat Curry and Pam Hogarth, Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Craig
Sylvester, Independent, and Gil Zimmerman, DreamWorks SKG

Many digital media/animation departments include student group
projects as an important component of their curricula. At the Gnomon
School of Visual Effects the latest effort created the visual effects
for Roger Corman's feature film "Demon Slayer." This panel features
presentations by the visual effects supervisor, the visual effects
producer, the CG supervisor, and students. Topics include the history
of "Demon Slayer," pluses and problems, working with professionals,
setting realistic expectations, and suggestions for finding projects.


Forums

Game Development & Design: Curricular Challenges and Opportunities
John Buchanon, Electronic Arts and Jason Della Rocca, International
Game Developers Association

As more schools provide game-based curricula, are the needs of the
industry, the students, and the institutions being met? What are the
challenges that face schools who have implemented, or are in the
process of implementing, curriculum that focuses on game design,
development, and study? This session provides a forum for academics
and developers to discuss these challenges and subsequent
opportunities.


The Process of Effective Critiques
Jana Whittington, Purdue University Calumet and William Joel, Western
Correctional State University

Students must acquire technical, business, and aesthetic
vocabulary skills to communicate effectively with peers, superiors,
clients, and the public. A well-executed critique process designed to
address specific objectives helps the student learn communication
processes that are essential for success, and it gives the instructor
a quantitative assessment process to evaluate each course and
assignment. This forum is designed for novice instructors, instructors
new to teaching technology and graphic design, and instructors
interested in exploring assessment methods to conduct critiques.

The SIGGRAPH 2003 Educators Program will be held Wednesday, July 30, and Thursday, July 31. For a complete list of all sessions, session abstracts, times, etc., please see www.siggraph.org/s2003/conference/edu/index.html.

Registration information can be found at www.siggraph.org/s2003 or by contacting SIGGRAPH 2003 Conference Management, 401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611 USA; 312/321-6830 phone; 312/321-6876 fax; [e-mail].

SIGGRAPH 2003 will bring nearly 25,000 computer graphics and interactive technology professionals from six continents to San Diego for the week-long conference, July 27-31. A comprehensive technical program and special events focusing on research, art, animation, games, interactivity, and the web are planned. SIGGRAPH 2003 includes a three-day exhibition of products and services for the computer graphics and interactive marketplace from July 29-31, 2003.

ACM SIGGRAPH, the leading professional society for computer graphics and interactive techniques, sponsors SIGGRAPH 2003. Information on ACM SIGGRAPH membership and other conferences and activities can be found at www.siggraph.org.