Using Web3D-based Computer Graphics as Open Educational Resources for Coding and Visualizing Digital Artifacts Related to Rubem Valentim’s Afro-Brazilian Artwork and Beyond

This presentation addresses transdisciplinary educational processes of learning and using low-cost Web3D-based computer graphics programming and interactive virtual reality (VR) techniques as open educational resources (OER). Accessible web-based resources, such as the Extensible 3D (X3D) language/format, the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and their integration through the X3dom framework, have allowed learning to code and visualizing its symbolic 3D representation, in real time, by utilizing Google’s blogger HTML editor online. An inclusive alternative is that individuals who can not afford keep utilizing online resources, can use simple notepad text editor for computer programming or coding X3D files and standalone browsers, such as H3D and / or Castle Game Engine (view3dscene) for visualizing a symbolic representation of the X3D script in a personal computer, tablet or smartphone, in real time, offline. The X3D code can be also reused for compounding a blog 3DVR interface, having as a reference for materializing it, the X3dom framework. These Web3D-based OER have been used for researching, coding and visualizing an under development artwork project which has been carried out, having as reference Rubem Valentim’s artwork compositions related to Afro-Brazilian culture and beyond. His work integrates “abstract signs made from horizontal and vertical lines, circles, cubes and arrows”. These components “are geometric reductions of Orixá, or deities, from the Afro-Brazilian religions Candomblé and Umbanda”. Such geometric reductions can be represented through using Web3D computer graphics digital libraries which have compounded X3D features. Beyond Afro-Brazilian culture features, this work research and compounding processes have integrated mathematical and geometry knowledge that have come through time and space from the African culture, as Egyptians developed and used during the building of the Pyramids. These knowledge was further systematized by Greeks’ mathematicians, as in Cartesian coordinates which have been used for supporting 3D computer graphics libraries development. In addition, this artwork development has stimulated learning to think in complex and spatial ways, and have a potential for inspiring digital and visual literacy through transdisciplinary teaching since k-12 levels.


PhD Jorge Ferreira Franco
Doing post-doc by Institute of Advanced Studies of University of São Paulo (USP); Collaborator Researcher at International and Interinstitutional Group of Research in Convergence between Art, Science and Technology, Institute of Arts, Paulista State University, Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP); PhD in Letters by Mackenzie Presbyterian University; Master in Sciences in Virtual Environments by the University of Salford, England; English Teacher at Ernani Silva Bruno Primary School, Sao Paulo Municipal Secretary of Education.