Learning Parallel Computations with ParaLab

In this paper, we present the ParaLab teachware system, which can be used for learning the parallel computation methods. ParaLab provides the tools for simulating the multiprocessor computational systems with various network topologies, for carrying out the computational experiments in the simulation mode, and for evaluating the efficiency of the parallel computation methods. The visual presentation of the parallel computations taking place in the computational experiments is the key feature of the system. ParaLab can be used for the laboratory training within various teaching courses in the field of parallel, distributed, and supercomputer computations

A programozási készségek vizsgálata középiskolában és a felsőoktatásban = Analysis of Programming Skills in Secondary Schools and Colleges

A tanulmányban a strukturált programozás során alkalmazott ismeretek és készségek azonosítására teszünk kísérletet, majd a feltárt összetevők fejlettségének értékelési lehetőségeit mutatjuk be. A szakirodalmi tanulmány és a tervezett mérőeszközök egy nagyobb vizsgálat első lépéseit jelentik. Ebben a vizsgálatban az emelt szintű érettségi vizsgán elvárt programozási tudás fejlettségét befolyásoló ismeretek, készségek és motívumok rendszerének vizsgálatát tűztük ki célul

User interface and interactivity design guidelines of algorithm visualization on mobile platform

Algorithm Visualization (AV) is a pedagogical tool that can help learners to see the animation of the step-by-step process of an algorithm. Students can watch and observe through the elaboration of dynamic animation. Previous studies show that AV mobile study is still limited. AV implementation on the mobile platform is still considered as a new trend which started in 2013. In addition, comprehensive design guidelines of AV in terms of designing user-interface (UI) and interactivity factors are still limited and discussed separately in previous studies. Even though, much evidence in previous empirical studies show that various interactivity strategies and UI design aspects are two imperative aspects to make an effective AV tool for learners. Within this context, this study proposes AV on mobile platforms (AVOMP) design guidelines that serve as a systematic approach. It includes the fundamental recommendations for designers, developer, and lecturers to produce AVOMP which are based on two aspects, namely UI design and interactivity aspects. Hence, in order to accomplish the main aim, a number of sub-objectives were formed: (a) to identify the appropriate recommendations for UI design and interactivity aspects of AVOMP, (b) to develop the design guidelines of AVOMP based on the identified recommendations of UI design and interactivity, (c) to validate the developed design guidelines of AVOMP in terms of “usefulness” through expert reviews, and (d) to measure the effectiveness of AV on mobile platform that implements the proposed design guidelines through prototype. This study adopted the Design Science Research methodology as the framework of the research process. Activities of AVOMP design guidelines construction include a literature review and a comparative study. The proposed design guidelines were validated through expert reviews, which involved 16 experts. Results of the hypothesis testing concludes that the proposed AVOMP design guidelines are significantly perceived as having quality in serving as a guideline for developers or designers to design and develop AVOMP. Moreover, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the AVOMP prototype from 35 participants through laboratory experiments based on the bloom taxonomy test shows that there is a significant difference between students learning sorting algorithms using the manual approach (Pre-Test) and the AVOMP app (Post-Test). Hence, this study makes three major contributions, namely artefact, empirical, and theoretical. In terms of artifact, this study yields AVOMP design guidelines that are comprised of UI design and interactivity aspects as well as AVOMP prototype of sorting algorithms. Meanwhile, empirical contribution shows the result of the effectiveness of AVOMP apps. Finally, the theoretical aspect contributes the novelty of the developed design guidelines of AVOMP that are structured and comprehensively formed with a combination of a bunch of theories and empirical studies of two aspects, which are UI design and interactivity