A Resourcefor Fostering Visual Literacy in Computer Graphics: SlGGRAPH'sSlides Categorized by Rendering Algorithm RosaleeWolfe Slides Production Editor Rendering algorithms have a unique property that distinguishes them from the other algorithms studied in traditional c o m p u t e r science. In addition to the space used and the time required, a rendering algorithm has the property of creating a visual effect. A rendering algorithm may or may not be appropriate for a specific application based on the visual appearance of the final outcome. Different rendering algorithms will produce different output for the same input. This differs dramatically from sorting, where all algorithms produce exactly the same result for a given input. Part of the education of any c o m p u t e r graphics student is a form of visual literacy that involves identifying the visual effects of rendering algorithms. Teaching visual literacy gives the student a broader understanding of rendering algorithms' capabilities without the necessity of implementing every algorithm. Visual literacy forms a basis of communication between the artists and the implementers in the discipline, and improves interactions among members working on team projects. Before worrying about space and time considerations, an implementer
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