AlgorithmExplorer: a student centered algorithm animation system

Abstract

Algorithm animation can be an effective tool for understanding the behavior of programs. However, most approaches towards algorithm animation have focused on evermore sophisticated graphical depictions of programs, and not on the process of how students can develop and make use of animations in an educational setting. We describe the AlgorithmExplorer, a flexible algorithm animation system targeted towards classroom, laboratory and individual student use. The AlgorithmExplorer provides an open system architecture for integrating student programs, mechanisms for supporting user input, and a three tiered animation command interface that provides rich animation constructs while also supporting a wide range of student programming abilities.