Teaching a modern graphics pipeline using a shader-based software renderer

This paper presents the syllabus for an introductory computer graphics course that emphasizes the use of programmable shaders while teaching raster-level algorithms at the same time. We describe a Java-based framework that is used for programming assignments in this course. This framework implements a shader-enabled software renderer and an interactive 3D editor. Teaching shader programming in concert with the low-level graphics pipeline makes it easier for our students to learn modern OpenGL with shaders in our follow-up intermediate course. We also show how to create attractive course material by using COLLADA, an open standard for 3D content exchange, and our approach to organizing the practical course.

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► A syllabus for teaching aspects of a modern graphics pipeline using shaders.
► A Java-based didactic software renderer and interactive 3D editor.
► Using real-world COLLADA assets to motivate students during course assignments.
► Solutions for overcoming difficulties in course organization and maintenance.