Analyzing engagement taxonomy in collaborative algorithm visualization

Abstract

More collaborative use of visualizations is taking place in the classrooms due to the introduction of pair programming and collaborative learning as teaching and learning methods. This introduces new challenges to the visualization tools, and thus, research and theory to support the development of collaborative visualization tools is needed. We present an empirical study in which the learning outcomes of students were compared when students were learning in collaboration and using materials which contained visualizations on different engagement levels. Results indicate that the level of engagement has an effect on students' learning results although the difference is not statistically significant. Especially, students without previous knowledge seem to gain more from using visualizations on higher engagement level.