Lowering the Barrier to Graphics Education: Shwizard - An Educational Game for Understanding Shader Concepts

Information

• Visibility: hidden
• Publication Type: Ongoing Bachelor Thesis
• Workgroup(s)/Project(s):
  • Rendering and Modeling
• Date: ongoing
• Date (Start): 9. September 2025
• Second Supervisor: Annalena Ulschmid
• Matrikelnummer: 12119032
• First Supervisor: Michael Wimmer

Abstract

This thesis explores whether shader fundamentals can be effectively taught to individuals without programming experience. It examines a hybrid instructional approach that combines tutorials, short quizzes, and hands-on experiential learning. Shwizard is a serious game developed for this purpose, offering short introductory lessons on shader types, immediate quizzes for reinforcement, and a sandbox environment where players can complete quests that reveal the effects of shaders on various game objects. This thesis will examine how these combined methods influence learning outcomes, motivation, and user engagement.

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BibTeX

@runbachelorthesis{seyr-2025-lbt,
  title =      "Lowering the Barrier to Graphics Education: Shwizard - An
               Educational Game for Understanding Shader Concepts",
  author =     "Jonathan Seyr",
  year =       "2025",
  abstract =   "This thesis explores whether shader fundamentals can be
               effectively taught to individuals without programming
               experience. It examines a hybrid instructional approach that
               combines tutorials, short quizzes, and hands-on experiential
               learning. Shwizard is a serious game developed for this
               purpose, offering short introductory lessons on shader
               types, immediate quizzes for reinforcement, and a sandbox
               environment where players can complete quests that reveal
               the effects of shaders on various game objects. This thesis
               will examine how these combined methods influence learning
               outcomes, motivation, and user engagement.",
  month =      sep,
  URL =        "https://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/research/publications/2025/seyr-2025-lbt/",
}