Misconceptions in Visual Algorithm Simulation Revisited: On UI's Effect on Student Performance, Attitudes and Misconceptions

Abstract

Mobile devices affect the way we access interactive learning material and exercises in the internet. There are changes both in the technologies used to implement software and in the possibilities and restrictions imposed by this platform. A set of visual algorithm simulation exercises - implemented using the JSAV library allowing them to work on both mobile and desktop machines - were tested on a CS majors data structures and algorithms course. As the problem formulation was not changed from previous years, we were able to study how changes in the UI might affect student performance and if there are any differences in student attitudes and mistakes or misconceptions detected. For the set of exercises studied, the results were in line with previous findings.