JHAVÉ—an environment to actively engage students in Web-based algorithm visualizations

Abstract

In this paper, we describe JHAVI~ (Java-hosted Algorithm Visualization Environment), a client-server environment for delivering algorithm visualizations over the Web. The first section of the paper briefly summarizes prior research by a variety of investigators into the pedagogical effectiveness of algorithm visualization (AV). The design goals of JHAVI~ are then placed in the context of this research. After a discussion of some technical details of the JHAVI~ architecture, we present two examples of algorithms depicted in JHAVI~. The results of students' exploring these algorithms with JHAVI~ are analyzed. We close with a discussion of the general conclusions reached from our current work and future directions in which it may lead.