An empirical study on factors influencing the effectiveness of algorithm visualization

The determination of the factors influencing the effectiveness of algorithm visualization poses an interesting research question. In this paper, we present the results of a longitude empirical study regarding this question. The study was based on an evaluation of the Visual LinProg educational tool inside classrooms. Visual LinProg is a web‐based educational tool, which solves linear programming problems using animation and visualization techniques. Visual LinProg was developed to be used in linear programming courses to supplement the teaching. Our empirical study is based on questionnaires that include quantitative and qualitative topics. This evaluation first indicates that Visual LinProg facilitates the learning of the revised simplex algorithm and second presents more results on factors influencing the understanding of this algorithm by the students/users of the Visual LinProg. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 410–420, 2013

[1]  Angelo Sifaleras,et al.  Visual LinProg: A web‐based educational software for linear programming , 2007, Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ..

[2]  Jaime Urquiza-Fuentes,et al.  An approach to effortless construction of program animations , 2008, Comput. Educ..

[3]  Reinhard Wilhelm,et al.  Focusing in Algorithm Explanation , 2000, IEEE Trans. Vis. Comput. Graph..

[4]  Clifford A. Shaffer,et al.  Effective features of algorithm visualizations , 2004, SIGCSE '04.

[5]  Angelo Sifaleras,et al.  Blended Methods to Enhance Learning: An Empirical Study of Factors Affecting Student Participation in the use of e-Tools to Complement F2F Teaching of Algorithms , 2007 .

[6]  Antonio J. Serrano,et al.  MATLAB‐based educational software for exploratory data analysis (EDA toolkit) , 2012, Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ..

[7]  Christopher D. Hundhausen,et al.  The Search for an Empirical and Theoretical Foundation for Algorithm Visualization , 1999 .

[8]  W. Marsden.  I and J , 2012 .

[9]  Ozgur Akkoyun,et al.  Development of a visual courseware for surface mining education , 2011, Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ..

[10]  Sally Fincher,et al.  Computer Science Education Research , 2004 .

[11]  Bernd Freisleben,et al.  Experiences in using animations in introductory computer science lectures , 2000, SIGCSE '00.

[12]  W. Buxton.  Human-Computer Interaction , 1988, Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

[13]  Cuneyt Bayilmis.  Development of a web‐based educational interface using MATLAB builder NE with Web Figure for digital modulation techniques , 2012, Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ..

[14]  Sami Khuri.  A User-Centred Approach for Designing Algorithm Visualizations , 2001 .

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

[16]  Allan Knight,et al.  Algorithma 99: an experiment in reusability & component based software engineering , 2000, SIGCSE '00.

[17]  D. M. Hutton,et al.  The Essence of Human Computer Interaction , 2000 .

[18]  John T. Stasko,et al.  Evaluating animations as student aids in learning computer algorithms , 1999, Comput. Educ..

[19]  John T. Stasko,et al.  Please address correspondence to , 2000 .

[20]  Scott Grissom,et al.  Algorithm visualization in CS education: comparing levels of student engagement , 2003, SoftVis '03.

[21]  Christopher D. Hundhausen,et al.  Designing, visualizing, and discussing algorithms within a CS 1 studio experience: An empirical study , 2008, Comput. Educ..

[22]  Nils Faltin.  Aktives Lernen von Algorithmen mit interaktiven Visualisierungen , 2000, GI Jahrestagung.

[23]  Chunsheng Wang,et al.  Constructing virtual hydraulic circuits using Flash , 2010, Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ..

[24]  Linda Stern,et al.  A strategy for managing content complexity in algorithm animation , 1999, ITiCSE '99.

[25]  Christopher D. Hundhausen,et al.  Using visualizations to learn algorithms: should students construct their own, or view an expert's? , 2000, Proceeding 2000 IEEE International Symposium on Visual Languages.

[26]  Steven Hansen,et al.  Designing Educationally Effective Algorithm Visualizations , 2002, J. Vis. Lang. Comput..

[27]  John Domingue,et al.  Software visualization : programming as a multimedia experience , 1998 .

[28]  Christos Kyriklidis,et al.  Project management educational software (ProMES) , 2013, Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ..

[29]  Angelo Sifaleras,et al.  E-learning technologies: employing Matlab web server to facilitate the education of mathematical programming , 2006 .

[30]  Christopher D. Hundhausen,et al.  Integrating algorithm visualization technology into an undergraduate algorithms course: ethnographic studies of a social constructivist approach , 2002, Comput. Educ..

[31]  Steven R. Hansen.  On the Role of Animated Analogies in Algorithm Visualizations , 2000 .

[32]  Jorma Tarhio,et al.  A visualisation tool as a demonstration aid , 2003, Comput. Educ..