Using a computer-based interactive system for the development of basic algorithmic and programming skills

Student failure and commonly expressed difficulties in programming disciplines suggest that traditional approaches are not the most appropriate for many students. In this paper we present SICAS, a learning tool designed to help students in the development of basic algorithmic and programming skills. With SICAS students can design, simulate, test and compare algorithms for proposed problems. We also report some evaluation findings, current changes and future extensions of the tool.