WELCOME TO THE COURSE
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO LEARN?
In these 6 lessons you will familiarise yourself with creative coding within a Processing environment. Creative coding is a generic name for a relatively new genre within computer programming, which is focused on associative and experimental handlings of code. Processing is a programming language, a development environment and an online community.
Since 2001, Processing has promoted software literacy within the visual arts and visual literacy within technology. Initially created to serve as a software sketchbook and to teach computer programming fundamentals within a visual context, Processing evolved into a development tool for professionals. Today , there are tens of thousands of students, artists, designers, researchers, and hobbyists who use Processing for learning, prototyping, and production.
Coded Creatures teaches you a number of technical how-to’s and creative elements. A few of the technical skills include learning about syntax and structure of the Java programming language. The course also features an introduction to object-oriented programming, a principle that can be used to introduce structure and hierarchy in your programs. The contrast between the technical side and creating art may seem very big, but you will see that in practice the two worlds are very closely connected, and even overlap substantially. If you change a few numbers your application is sure to surprise you with some unexpected results.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Coded Creatures was initially developed for new ‘makers’ who have some knowledge of software, coding and Processing. They could be graphic or interaction designers, or VJ’s and other image makers. The lessons are also intended for students in creative disciplines or teachers who want to learn coding to work on it themselves or with their students. But essentially anyone who is interested in any of these disciplines can use these lessons. It helps if you have written a line of code before, and have some basic insight into the way programming languages (such as Processing) and environments work. Also, you shouldn’t be afraid to try new things, like sinking your teeth into a piece of code.
START PLAYING & LEARNINGEDUCATION
MBO / HBO: Audiovisual Media, Graphic Design, Web Design, Communication and Media Design.
Secondary education: pupils and teachers in the last 2 years studying Visual Arts and Technology. Some experience in working with a computer and designing is a prerequisite. This course offers a first introduction to creative coding for teachers who aspire to introduce programming in the classroom. Various forms of programming are increasingly finding their way onto the curricula of secondary schools.
If you are interested in a physical workshop led by an experienced programmer, we can also help you. MU also teaches the course to groups of students or teams of teachers. Please contact Vivian van Gaal (MU).