I learned the basics of C++ computer programming during my first year at the Image and Media technology course at the School of Arts. It took quite a lot of effort to get interesting results, because the code editor was primitive and compiling was a slow process, but it was possible to create visual effects this way!
Using the image digitizer that was available at the School of Arts, I manipulated images of faces with these effects. Distorting faces (and voices) with audio-visual effects play an important part in my art still.