Developing a set of requirements for algorithm animation systems

Abstract

The learning and analysis of algorithms and algorithm concepts are challenging to students due to the abstract and conceptual nature of algorithms. Research conducted at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa focused on the design of an extensible algorithm animation framework to support the generation of interactive algorithm animations. A comprehensive literature study showed that no unified and common instrument for evaluating the pedagogic effectiveness of algorithm animation systems exists. An output of this research was the compilation of a list of requirements that could serve as such an instrument. The value of this list is proven through the evaluation of extant systems as well as in developing a prototype in order to prove the effectiveness of the animation framework.