Live graphics gems as a way to raise repositories for computer graphics education

ABSTRACT

This contribution presents two technologies, code-based interactivity and server-side compiling, that add value to an educational repository and address its difficulties in achieving a critical mass of submissions. It is part of current efforts in the computer graphics community to collect, preserve, and share educational material. We propose a novel repository service introducing "live" graphics gems to the material, i.e. modifiable program listings with corresponding interactivities that are compiled and versioned server-side. That way, repository material evolves on the fly. Authors not willing to submit their material as open source are given a granular source control. We describe implications, e.g. a common, repository-driven content markup, didactics of code-based interactivity, and crucial technical services and tools. Prototype implementations and showcases are included.

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