Design and assessment of an algorithm learning tool for high school computer science

Abstract

This paper presents an algorithm learning tool developed for a computer science class in a science and technology high school in Japan. The learning tool offers features specifically designed for novice learners. It presents lessons and animations that aim to facilitate teaching and learning of four fundamental algorithms. The animations were based on the concept of Algorithm Visualization. Pre and posttests, questionnaires on motivation, and a software usability questionnaire were designed and implemented as evaluation instruments. Initial results show that the learning performance of students increased after using the algorithm learning tool. Evaluation of the tool demonstrates positive acceptance by the students. Results also show that a number of features of the learning tool contribute to the increase understanding of algorithms among the students.

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“…Maintaining a series of updated videos is not practical for institutions with limited resources. In order to help students better understand the steps of an algorithm, Avancena, Kondo, and Nishihara (2013) designed a visualization tool that allows students to control the inputs of the algorithm and observe a step-by-step procedure for calculations. Their results show that the visualization tool can help students better learn algorithms.…”