2014 education / teaching

StarBrains International School

Computer graphics and literacy

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Software
  • Typing Academy
  • Code.org
  • Scratch
  • Pixilart
  • GIMP
  • Inkscape
  • Blender
  • TinkerCAD
  • Google Suite

What:

Taught a computer graphics and science curriculum introducing children to digital tools through creative, hands-on projects.


Why:

Starbrains wanted to modernize the introduction of younger children to computer literacy by providing the opportunity for more diverse creative outlets that would help prepare them for their increasingly more technology focused futures.


How:

A curriculum was built around easily accessible software and open source resources and projects that taught conceptual models in fun ways. Creating animations and models are an example of reducing the perceived scale of barriers to make tools feel approachable.


Case Study: Classroom Media Program

Curriculum

Coming from a background in media and design, I brought a completely new range of experience and perspective to the school. I built the entire curriculum from scratch, evolving and adding things as I learned what students were interested in and enjoyed.

  • Introduced keyboarding, programming, graphics, animation, 3D modeling, and collaboration tools
  • Used low-friction software so students could keep practicing at home
  • Created both short and long term projects for students to observe development over time
Multiple ongoing projects at once.
Student using Scratch.
Physical UV mapping.
Physical geometry.
Student GIF.
Student GIF.
Student GIF.
Student GIF.

Projects

I was able to produce a lot of media for the school which I used as teaching material to demonstrate real world applications to students, often getting their input to inspire them.

School Bus graphic
School Bus graphic
DVD case design.
Fieldbooks with activities.

Event Media

Koyasan Summer Camp / 2017 / Wakayama / Video

Video and activities created for summer camp at Buddhist pilgrims inn.

Shizen no Ie Summer Camp / 2016 / Osaka / Video

Video and activities created for Osaka Prefectural Youth Retreat.

Nifrel Field Trip / 2016 / Osaka / Video

Video and workbooks created for class fieldtrip to Nifrel art aquarium in Osaka.

Graduation Ceremony / 2015 / Kobe / Animation

Animated intro to student graduation video presentation to parents.

Ikebana workshop / 2016 / Kobe / Video

Video created for guest flower arrangement workshop.