Framework for Effective Algorithm Visualization Using Animation-Embedded Hypermedia

摘要

This dissertation reports on research based on the premise that a rethinking of algorithm animation design is required in order to harness its power to enhance learning. The research in this report explores the integration of previous work in algorithm animation systems with recent developments in the cognitive and educational domains to produce a new model for using software visualizations to improve student comprehension. The model is based on focused learning objectives that drive a top-down design that carefully divides abstract concepts into discrete chunks for learning. The model takes a user-centered ('what do we need to show') view rather than a designer-centered ('what can we show') view, and employs hypermedia and multimodal presentation techniques to improve learning effectiveness. The key insights are that for algorithm animations to be effective, they should be introduced using interactive analogies and real-world examples that serve a priming role for subsequent learning.