Torque In The Classroom
by Eric Preisz · 08/04/2006 (3:57 am) · 7 comments
I know I sound unoriginal, but it sure has been a long time since I posted.
But don't think I haven't been busy. I recently took a position at Full Sail University in May. We graduate students every month and now I am on my third month and finally, my curriculum is starting to shape up nicely. I've always focused on optimization, but the truth is, knowing something is not nearly the same as knowing something well enough to teach it.
Here are the topics we discuss in my class.
Detecting Bottlenecks
CPU Optimization
GPU Optimization
Optimizing Memory
Cache Efficiency
Branch Predictions
Multi-threading and optimization
Shaders and optimization
SIMD
NVPerfHud
Pix
GPU Bottleneck Detection
Note that I don't discuss assembly. I will explain my reasoning for this if I get a few threads flaming me. Should make for interesting conversation.
I am actually using Torque in my class. I mocked up a quick little program similar to that in restaurants and bars. The application, called freefall, allows students to answer multiple choice questions and I can view the percentage of users logged in, the number of answers given, and the percentages of their guesses. So far it's been a pretty successful way to review material. It's designed to work with powerpoint's exporting features.
If anyone would like a copy to try out in their class, feel free to contact me. I'll pass you a copy for free.
Finally, I just bought my first house! I can't wait. It should be finished before Thanksgiving.
But don't think I haven't been busy. I recently took a position at Full Sail University in May. We graduate students every month and now I am on my third month and finally, my curriculum is starting to shape up nicely. I've always focused on optimization, but the truth is, knowing something is not nearly the same as knowing something well enough to teach it.
Here are the topics we discuss in my class.
Detecting Bottlenecks
CPU Optimization
GPU Optimization
Optimizing Memory
Cache Efficiency
Branch Predictions
Multi-threading and optimization
Shaders and optimization
SIMD
NVPerfHud
Pix
GPU Bottleneck Detection
Note that I don't discuss assembly. I will explain my reasoning for this if I get a few threads flaming me. Should make for interesting conversation.
I am actually using Torque in my class. I mocked up a quick little program similar to that in restaurants and bars. The application, called freefall, allows students to answer multiple choice questions and I can view the percentage of users logged in, the number of answers given, and the percentages of their guesses. So far it's been a pretty successful way to review material. It's designed to work with powerpoint's exporting features.
If anyone would like a copy to try out in their class, feel free to contact me. I'll pass you a copy for free.
Finally, I just bought my first house! I can't wait. It should be finished before Thanksgiving.
About the author
Manager, Programmer, Author, Professor, Small Business Owner, and Marketer.
Recent Blogs
• GDC Demo - Chinatown• GDC 2010 Updates
• Name Dropping
• GDC - Booth #2002
• Torque 2D - Resetting our Sights
#2
08/04/2006 (9:32 am)
Yeah! just bought my first house too. I'm hoping to be in end of August/Early September.
#4
08/04/2006 (10:56 am)
Lot's of people do answer "E". The correct answer is "C" 
#5
08/04/2006 (12:05 pm)
I would be most interesed in a copy 
#6
--d
08/04/2006 (5:01 pm)
Sweet stuff Eric! I will definitely be showing this to other teachers. Congrants on your house! I just got mine last year and love IT! Say Hi to Keyvan and Dustin for me.--d
#7
09/19/2006 (2:56 pm)
I actually TEACH Torque in the Classroom - If ANYONE would like to contribute to the learning environment, please drop me a line! I would love to hear from people using the engine in real life to teach my students based on experience versus book knowledge.
Torque Owner Mincetro
Congrats on the new house