Rethinking the evaluation of algorithm animations as learning aids: an observational study

SRec and VAST: Visualizing Software with a Student-Centered Aim

“…These software applications usually use animations for describing step by step how recursion achieves to solve a problem. Student interaction is very important to make easier learning tasks [22] like algorithm analysis or debugging.…”

“…Sometimes ask for more information, move the animation to a determined point, or mark nodes may be interesting actions impossible to do with this programs. As we said, interaction makes easier learning tasks [22], so this is a gap that must be filled in order to improve how recursion can be shown and taught in educative environments.…”

An Empirical Evaluation of Cryptool in Teaching Computer Security

“…From the literature, a study conducted by Kehoe et al [24] used an interactive animation to teach algorithm animation and data structure. Their results showed in scores on a post-test used to evaluate the understanding with 12 students divided into two groups.…”

Effectiveness of Combining Algorithm and Program Animation: A Case Study with Data Structure Course

“…Some of the earlier empirical studies on algorithm animation had elicited equivocal results, regarding benefit of incorporating animation as a tool to learning. Kehoe et al (2001) formulated some explanations about the failure of these earlier studies to find significant benefits. For the present, the explanation of note was the one that stated: "something in the design of the experiments is preventing participants from receiving the benefits, or in other words, the theory of how animations could help need to be re-examined".…”