Integrating algorithm visualization video into a first-year algorithm and data structure course

In this paper we describe the results that we have obtained while integrating algorithm visualization (AV) movies (strongly tightened with the other teaching material), within a first-year undergraduate course on algorithms and data structures. Our experimental results seem to support the hypothesis that making these movies available significantly improved students' performances. Moreover, the movies were highly appreciated by the students (both from a comprehensibility point of view and from a usefulness point of view), even though with a low attitude towards the emerging video pod-cast technology. Finally, our results indicate the necessity of integrating the AV movies with audio comment, which seems to be one of the most interesting research question left open by our study. © International Forum of Educational Technology & Society (IFETS)

GASP-II: A Geometric Algorithm Animation System for an Electronic Classroom

This paper describes GASP--II, an algorithm animation system for geometric computing. Because views of the same running algorithm may reside on different machines, GASP--II is particularly suitable for an electronic classroom. End-user may choose to use different views of the same running algorithm, allowing each student to study the algorithm in the most appropriate way. Moreover, end-users can run the animation in different speeds, and focus on the parts of the algorithm which they find difficult. Limiting the domain to computational geometry makes it possible to automate large parts of the process of creating an animation and the programmer can choose to be isolate from any concern about how graphics is done. Finally, GASP--II provides a visual debugging facility for geometric computing. 1 Introduction Geometric algorithms can be highly complex and difficult to grasp. The ability to visually follow the construction and manipulation of geometric objects all the way, can greatly faci..