“Teaching Computer Graphics in Brazil: Social Commitment, Creativity and Passion-Against All Odds!” by Spitz
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Title:
- Teaching Computer Graphics in Brazil: Social Commitment, Creativity and Passion-Against All Odds!
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Abstract:
A shoestring arts laboratory in Brazil uses a pioneering educational approach and brings social commitment to computer arts. This paper discusses its background and achievements.
The Electronic Arts Unit (Núcleo de Arte Eletrónica, NAE) at Pontifício Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro is an arts laboratory where educators, graduates, and undergraduates from science and arts disciplines come together to create and produce art and design projects. At all stages in the projects, a methodology of dynamic, democratic teamwork prompts participants to play new roles: musicians choose colors, animators discuss codes, and programmers create images. Clients range from God to the Devil. We design rock band sites and interactive Bibles! Research projects cover social issues like new media literacy (which is ushering in a new society of netizens, net-fringers, and outsiders), Web design and its cultural implications, and designing ATM interfaces for users with different levels of schooling. Educational results prove we are on the right track: student participants improve in terms of knowledge and skills; develop high levels of creativity, maturity and social commitment; and are now ready to help shape our unequally connected society into something much better for all of us.
