Obeleži sve kategorije koje odgovaraju problemu

After publishing the first free Serbian language online course on the epidemic phenomenon for high school students, the Digital Serbia Initiative, Petlja Foundation and UNICEF in Serbia have prepared another interdisciplinary course for high school students called “Algorithmic Art”. The course originated in the unexpected fusion of mathematics and visual arts made possible by digital technology. With this interactive course, available on the free net.cabinet platform, students can use art to understand mathematics and discover new tools for creating art in formulas and computer algorithms. The course is available at www.petlja.org/net.kabinet

“Algorithmic Art” is adapted to the school programme and is primarily intended for students in the second and third grade of high school and teachers who teach mathematics, informatics and computing and art. However, it can be equally exciting and useful for everyone who wants to solve mathematical problems more easily or show their creativity using computer code.

The course is written in popular language, has an abundance of interesting illustrations and examples, and introduces students to unexpected destinations where mathematics and programming are part of the world of creativity. Milena Marić, mathematician, high school teacher and one of the authors of the course, points out:

“As authors, we wanted to use popular language and concrete examples and put knowledge from mathematics and informatics in a new, and for many, unexpected context. The interactivity of this course allows each student to peek into mathematical formulas and computer code behind existing works of art, program their own unique art within the course, save it on a computer and share it with others.”

In addition to Milena, many other experts worked on the course, including programmer Aleksandra Jovanić, who has a PhD in Digital Arts, Ivan Anić, who has a PhD in the field of mathematics teaching methodology, and digital artist and programmer Uroš Krčadinac. All of them brought their experience gained in the educational system and the world of video games, animation, graphic design, art history, and data visualization.

THERE IS NO MODERN CULTURE WITHOUT COMPUTERS AND MATHEMATICS

One of the authors, Uroš Krčadinac, explains how students prepare for everyday life and real problems by integrating knowledge from different subjects:

“Curiosity is the foundation. If people are curious, they will discover that the links between art, mathematics and programming are not only strong but they are unbreakable: mathematics is the language of cartoons, a programming tool for making video games. There is no modern culture without computers and mathematics. That is why it is important for young people to learn to combine disciplines as soon as possible. I believe that the best among them will one day invent their own profession.”

At the same time, “Algorithmic Art” allows students to create their art in an interesting way, see how they can use the knowledge they have acquired, and even show parents that time spent in front of the computer can be spent productively. On the other hand, the course is an important tool for teachers; it enables cooperation, helps them recognize the importance of the subjects they teach, and encourages teamwork, creativity and critical thinking in students through project teaching.

Interdisciplinary courses “Algorithmic Art” and “Epidemic” will be joined in the coming period by another course, whose focus will be on combining physics and informatics. The Ministry of Education recently officially supported the project and invited schools in Serbia to include these courses in regular classes.