Applying Mixed Reality Techniques for the Visualization of Programs and Algorithms in a Programming Learning Environment

摘要

Program and algorithm visualization has been a research topic for more than 25 years. Correct graphical representations have a demonstrated impact on how students understand programming concepts. Previous works on visualization tools based on trees and graphs representations tend to be too difficult for teachers to use them in their classrooms and for students to understand how they work Moreover, new mixed reality learning environments can improve this learning experience thanks to the latest technology on the market. This paper discusses a whole new set of graphical representations used to visualize programs and algorithms through augmented reality devices. It also presents these visualizations integrated into the architecture of a newly mixed reality programming learning feature for the COLLEGE 2.0 Eclipse plugin, a collaborative and distributed environment for programming learning. This new approach is expected to improve students' learning experience in introductory programming courses.