GVU Technical Report Number:
GIT-GVU-96-20
Title:
Using Animations to Learn About Algorithms: An Ethnographic Case Study
Authors:
Colleen M. Kehoe
John T. Stasko
Abstract:
A number of studies have found that using animation for explaining
dynamic systems had less beneficial effects on learning than hoped. Those
results come as a surprise to many instructors and students in computer
science where animation is becoming an increasingly popular tool for
teaching algorithms. This study takes an ethnomethodological approach,
observing students using animations and other media to learn about an
algorithm. We do not answer the question, "Do animations aid learning?"
nor the question "How do they aid learning?" Rather, we gain some
insight into how animations can fit into successful learning strategies.
Finally, we present several key observations that we hope educators and
researchers can use to inform their own work with algorithm animation.
Keywords:
Algorithm animation, evaluation, ethnomethodology, empirical study,
learning, software visualization
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