A computer environment for beginners' learning of sorting algorithms: Design and pilot evaluation

This paper presents the design, features and pilot evaluation study of a web-based environment -the SORTING environment- for the learning of sorting algorithms by secondary level education students. The design of this environment is based on modeling methodology, taking into account modern constructivist and social theories of learning while at the same time acknowledging the role of hands-on experience, the significance of students' expressing their previous knowledge, the importance of interlinked multiple representation systems (MRS) and the role of constructive feedback on student learning. Although SORTING supports student learning of typical sorting algorithms such as Bubble-sort, Quick-sort and Selection-sort, it can also be adapted to integrate more sorting algorithms. The analysis of the data emerging from the pilot evaluation study of SORTING has shown that students used all the representation systems (RS) provided and found them attractive and easy to use. On the whole, student interactions within SORTING helped them to become aware of both the intuitive and the typical sorting procedures used, to conceptualize them, to overcome learning difficulties, to correct themselves and to make connections between different representations of the sorting algorithms used.

[1]  Marc H. Brown,et al.  Exploring algorithms using Balsa-II , 1988, Computer.

[2]  Donald E. Knuth,et al.  The Art of Computer Programming: Volume 3: Sorting and Searching , 1998 .

[3]  George E. Hein.  Is Meaning Making Constructivism? Is Constructivism Meaning Making? 1 , 1999 .

[4]  Jeffrey Scott Vitter,et al.  The Design and Analysis of BucketSort for Bubble Memory Secondary Storage , 1985, IEEE Transactions on Computers.

[5]  Rachelle S. Heller,et al.  Integrating algorithm animation into a learning environment , 1997, Comput. Educ..

[6]  Michael Grüninger,et al.  Introduction , 2002, CACM.

[7]  Donald E. Knuth,et al.  Sorting and Searching , 1973 .

[8]  John T. Stasko.  Tango: A Framework and System for Algorithm Animation , 1990, Computer.

[9]  L. Cohen,et al.  Research Methods in Education , 1980 .

[10]  J. Michael Spector,et al.  Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology, 3rd Edition , 2012 .

[11]  Brent G. Wilson.  Thoughts on Theory in Educational Technology. , 1997 .

[12]  Jere Confrey,et al.  A student's construction of transformations of functions in a multiple representational environment , 1996 .

[13]  James V. Wertsch,et al.  Culture, communication, and cognition : Vygotskian perspectives , 1987 .

[14]  David H. Jonassen,et al.  Revisiting activity theory as a framework for designing student-centered learning environments , 2014 .

[15]  Shelley V. Goldman.  Sorting out sorting , 1982 .

[16]  B. Nardi.  Studying context: a comparison of activity theory, situated action models, and distributed cognition , 1995 .

[17]  Chris du Feu.  A Sort of Statistics Lesson. , 1999 .

[18]  Jean Arlat,et al.  Definition and analysis of hardware- and software-fault-tolerant architectures , 1990, Computer.

[19]  Joseph T. Khalife.  Threshold for the introduction of programming: providing learners with a simple computer model , 2006, 28th International Conference on Information Technology Interfaces, 2006..

[20]  B. Nardi.  Context and consciousness: activity theory and human-computer interaction , 1995 .

[21]  David H. Jonassen,et al.  Constructivism: Implications for the Design and Delivery of Instruction , 1996 .

[22]  Ela Zur,et al.  The efficiency of algorithms - misconceptions , 2004, Comput. Educ..

[23]  G. Salomon,et al.  The computer as a zone of proximal development: Internalizing reading-related metacognitions from a Reading Partner. , 1989 .

[24]  Thomas L. Naps.  Algorithm visualization in computer science laboratories , 1990, SIGCSE '90.

[25]  Harvey Mellar,et al.  Introduction: Modelling and Education , 1994 .

[26]  M. Scardamalia,et al.  Intentional Learning as a Goal of Instruction , 2018, Knowing, Learning, and Instruction.

[27]  Susan M. Land,et al.  The foundations and assumptions of technology-enhanced student-centered learning environments , 1997 .

[28]  Zongmin Ma.  Web-Based Intelligent E-Learning Systems: Technologies and Applications. , 2006 .

[29]  Jan van der Meij,et al.  Learning with Multiple Representations , 1998 .

[30]  Maria Kordaki,et al.  A learning environment for the conservation of area and its measurement: a computer microworld , 1998, Comput. Educ..

[31]  Herbert L. Dershem,et al.  Tools for Web-based sorting animation , 1998, SIGCSE '98.

[32]  Diana Laurillard,et al.  Rethinking University Teaching: A Framework for the Effective Use of Educational Technology , 1993 .

[33]  Celia Hoyles,et al.  Windows on Mathematical Meanings: Learning Cultures and Computers , 1996 .

[34]  Carolyn Kieran,et al.  Research Issues in the Learning and Teaching of Algebra , 1989 .

[35]  Donald Ervin Knuth,et al.  The Art of Computer Programming , 1968 .

[36]  Fred T. Hofstetter,et al.  Multimedia Literacy , 1995 .

[37]  Avi Parush,et al.  Simulation‐based Learning in Engineering Education: Performance and Transfer in Learning Project Management , 2006 .

[38]  Maria Kordaki,et al.  A multiple representational environment for learning programming and C , 2003, Proceedings 3rd IEEE International Conference on Advanced Technologies.

[39]  Douglas A. Grouws,et al.  Handbook of research on mathematics teaching and learning , 1992 .

[40]  Allen B. Tucker,et al.  A Model Curriculum for K--12 Computer Science: Final Report of the ACM K--12 Task Force Curriculum Committee , 2003 .

[41]  D. Jonassen,et al.  A Manifesto for a Constructivist Approach to Uses of Technology in Higher Education , 1993 .

[42]  P. Thompson.  Notations, Conventions, and Constraints: Contributions to Effective Uses of Concrete Materials in Elementary Mathematics. , 1992 .

[43]  Daniel L. Schwartz,et al.  The Emergence of Abstract Representations in Dyad Problem Solving , 1995 .

[44]  Susan M. Land,et al.  Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments. , 1999 .

[45]  Shaaron Ainsworth,et al.  The functions of multiple representations , 1999, Comput. Educ..

[46]  D. Jonassen.  Objectivism versus constructivism: Do we need a new philosophical paradigm? , 1991 .

[47]  Maria Kordaki,et al.  A Special Purpose E-Learning Environment: Background, Design and Evaluation , 2006 .

[48]  Lev Vygotsky.  Mind in society , 1978 .

[49]  R. Lehrer,et al.  Technology and mathematics education , 2008 .

[50]  J. Geller,et al.  A low-tech, hands-on approach to teaching sorting algorithms to working students , 1998, Comput. Educ..