Abstract:

The current situation with the global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has had a significant impact on the teaching process at all levels of education. This also applies to the training of IT students in 3D computer graphics. Currently, the preferred model is distance learning, which uses various technologies and IT tools allowing for synchronous and asynchronous work. The problem is often their correct selection in order to ensure the continuity of an effective process of educating students. This work concerns the issue of proper selection of technologies and tools for teaching students in the field of 3D computer graphics at the Faculty of Computer Science at the Lublin University of Technology.

The article describes the methodology of preparation of didactic materials, the method of selection of technologies and programs to conduct classes, individual tasks for students and the method of evaluation of their work. The process of distance learning was presented on the example of post-processing models of archaeological artefacts from the Silk Road area.

The post-processing of 3D scanning data consists of the following stages:
(1) initial point cloud processing
(2) creation of grid models,
(3) inspection of the received models,
(4) texturing and mapping,
(5) model optimisation.

This is an example of the practical use of computer graphics technologies to protect cultural heritage. During the work with the models the following programmes were used: Artec Studio, MeshLab and Gimp. Microsoft Teams was used to communicate with the students. The Moodle platform was used to exchange and share materials. The material for processing was obtained using 3D optical scanning in Uzbekistan. Post-processing of 3D mesh models was carried out in the direction of their later use in presentations and multimedia exhibitions.

The effectiveness of the learning method applied and students' preferences for distance learning were examined. The implemented concept of remote learning proved to be an effective solution for conducting the process of educating students in the era of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The results of the research on the effectiveness of the learning method discussed confirmed the correctness of such solutions.

Keywords:

Distance learning, 3D model post-processing, Silk Road, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.