GVU Technical Report Number:
GIT-GVU-94-07
Title:
Empirically Evaluating the Use of Animations to Teach Algorithms
Authors:
Andrea W. Lawrence
Albert N. Badre
John T. Stasko
Abstract:
As algorithm animation systems become more widely available and easy to
use, instructors must decide whether to utilize these systems to assist
their teaching. Although these systems have generated excitement and
interest in both teachers and students, little empirical evidence exists
to promote their use. This article describes a study involving the use
of algorithm animations in classroom and laboratory settings. Results
indicated that allowing students to create their own examples in a
laboratory session led to higher accuracy on the post-test examination
of understanding of the algorithm as compared to students who viewed
prepared examples or no laboratory examples.
Keywords:
Algorithm animation, software visualization, computing education,
passive/active learning, empirical studies, TANGO
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