GVU Technical Report Number:
GIT-GVU-91-23
Title:
Assessing Program Visualization Systems as Instructional Aids
Authors:
Albert N. Badre
Margaret Beranek
Morgan Morris
John T. Stasko
Abstract:
Recently, program visualization systems have received much attention as
learning tools and as software understanding aids. How to evaluate
these systems, however, is an open and unexplored area. In order to determine
what factors may be important, we conducted an exploratory study using
XTango, an algorithm animation system. First, we asked professors to
complete surveys intended to solicit information regarding current practices
in the teaching of algorithms. Next,
we observed two groups of students: one group received a handout and
viewed an animation of the Shellsort algorithm, the other received the
same handout and listened to a lecture featuring drawings on the
blackboard. The students were queried on their understanding of the sort and
their impressions of the animation system. Comments indicated a high
perceived value for the system, with most students favoring its use as a
teaching tool. It was clear from students' responses that an algorithm
animation system can be used more effectively as a supplement in the
classroom environment than as a substitute for the teacher. The results of this
study identified changes to the animation system that will help integrate it
into the classroom environment, and provided several important factors to
consider in future empirical studies.
Keywords:
Program visualization, algorithm animation, software understanding, computer
aided instruction, educational software
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