The Goal: to get people to think about systems (and, so, computational thinking) in an art museum. And, of course, appreciate art at the same time

1. Knowledge Maps as
System Interpretations
of Art
Paul Fishwick, University of Texas at Dallas
Distinguished University Chair, Arts, Technology, and
Emerging Communication (ATEC)
Professor, Computer Science
C R E A T I V E --- A U T O M A T A . C O M
How can you make this shape?
Number 14: GrayJackson Pollock

2. Our Project
Primary Goal: To create an visitor experience
for learning both art history and systems
thinking in an integrated way (STEAM)
Approach: To promote the museum-based
approach of object based learning through
Knowledge Maps which extend + refine Art
History Concept Maps
Collaboration: (1) UTD Creative Automata Lab
(systems modeling education research), (2)
the lab’s curricular outlets (CS/ATEC courses),
and (3) the DMA

3. © Professional Development: AP Art History
Mapping Concepts and Themes in AP Art History, Curriculum
Module

4. What is a Concept Map?
Student concept map © Professional Development: AP Art History
Mapping Concepts and Themes in AP Art History, Curriculum
Module
A way of structuring and presenting our knowledge
A type of visual language with a flexible grammar
An interpretation + comparison of two works

5. Art Encourages Asking Questions
© Professional Development: AP Art History
Mapping Concepts and Themes in AP Art History, Curriculum
Module
What can you see in this painting?
How does the artist create the illusion of depth?
What do you know about Holland in the 17th Centur
What feeling do you get from this painting?

6. Concept Map As Visual Language
© Professional Development: AP Art History
Mapping Concepts and Themes in AP Art History, Curriculum
Module
2012. The College Board, New York, NY
Concept Map
Template

7. Making Knowledge Maps
An Inca woman would first shear the alpaca
when the coat is full. The wool would be
cleaned and spun into yarn. Then using
either a backstrap or vertical loom, she
weaves the yarn into a fine checkered
tunic.
Analyze natural language: Analyze images:
weavi
ng
spinning

8. Inca Tunic (1476-1534)
Technique
Social
Study
Can you sketch the checkered part
in charcoal?
Can you create a Processing sketch
For the whole tunic?
How was the red color made?
Who wore this tunic?
How did Inca interact
during its fabrication?
How was this woven?
How many visitors have seen this?
Similar to artnc.org concept map web
interface design
DMA Accession #
1995.32.McD

9. Extending the Concept
Map
TechniqueSocial
Study
Can you sketch the checkered part
in charcoal?
How was the red color made?
Who wore this tunic?
How did the Inca interact
during its fabrication?
How was this woven?Inca Tunic
involves involves
involves
has_question
has_question
has_question
has_question
has_question
A semantic network, a visual language
extending the concept map

10. A Semantic Network with Concepts
Map Media Links

11. Let’s Focus on Process
Shearing Spinning Weaving
next next
action verb phrases
This is a simple systems model/computer program!

12. Zooming into a Process
ShearBreed Spin Weave
tunicyarnwool
shorn
alpaca
alpaca
Camelid
Processing
Textile
Processing
next
control flow
data flow
refine refine

13. What are Knowledge Maps?
A collection of diagrams and flowcharts
Collection includes:
Concept maps
Semantic networks
Process flowcharts

14. Combines computational & systems thinking
Creates a specific transdisciplinary skill (systems
across the academy) connecting multiple
disciplines
Advances critical thinking skills
Advances AP Art History skills extending the
Concept Map and beyond concept mapping only
for formal assessment, 2015 AP Art History
Curriculum Framework

15. Where to go from here?
Find the right technology insertion points:
web and/or tablet ?
Ensure historical validity: collaborate with
curators and domain experts
Ensure content adheres to principles in
education and interaction design:
collaborate with educators and UX
designers
Provide outreach: collaborate with event
coordinators (schools, libraries,
museums)