Evaluating Algorithm Animations as Learning Aids

Problem
An algorithm animation is a dynamic, symbolic, visual illustration of the operations and data of an algorithm's execution. Algorithm animations are used to help teach students how algorithms work. It is hoped that the concrete graphical illustration can make the algorithm concepts more clear and understandable. Unfortunately, little empirical evidence exists to confirm researchers' hypotheses that algorithm animations do work as instructional aids. In this project, you will be introduced to this area of research and you will get hands-on experience with experiments of this type.

This project consists of a number of steps. The order is important. Please make sure to perform the steps in the order given.

1. Contact Ph.D. student Ashley Taylor (ataylor@cc) and sign up to be a participant in an experiment in this area. You will make arrangements with him to schedule a session.
2. Do the session.
3. Go to the directories /net/ag20/softviz/polka/Anims and /net/ag20/softviz/xtango/anims and run some of the example algorithm animations there.
4. Read the book chapter "Empirically Assessing Algorithm Animations as Learning Aids" by Stasko and Lawrence (available from Prof. Stasko) and the technical report "Do Algorithm Animations Aid Learning?" by Byrne, Catrambone and Stasko.
5. Prepare a 5-page (longer is OK) report that discusses your experiences in the experimental session, your views of the research area from reading the articles, and most importantly, that critiques a particular animation which will be told to you by Prof. Stasko. (It will involve the same algorithm in your session.)

Background
Link to more information about this research area.

Deliverables
The only deliverable for this project is your report concerning your experiences with the experiment and the animations.

Evaluation
Evaluation is based on the quality of your report and the insights within. Primarily, we will look for your critique of the animation and a thoughtful analysis of how your experimental session went and what you feel personally about the value of the animations as learning aids.