This website provides a tool for learning and visualizing algorithms.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
As supplementary materials in class or self-learning.
Technical Requirements:
Web browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To show the animation of some well-known algorithms in computation.
Upon completion of the simulation tool, learners are able to:
1. describe different algorithms
2. explain the principles of different algorithms
3. apply appropriate alorigthms to solve problems
Target Student Population:
College Lower Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Some basic understanding of computer coding is needed.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
- The website provides a wide range of topics, including sorting algorithms, searching algorithms and well-known problems in computation algorithms.
- The key feature is the animation of the running of a specific algorithm. For example, on binary search, it contains a chart tracer and an array tracer to illustrate the operation steps of the searching.
- Another key feature is the coding provided in each presented algorithm. It gives concrete examples with codes in java, javascript and C++ -- while not all topics come with all these languages.
- The animation is fit for the purpose of demonstrating the concept and time complexity.
- The simulation tool contains a number of algorithms. It contains the codes in javascript as well as the illustration. The content is complete and accurate.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
- On each topic, it starts with a README page to introduce the concept of a topic. It also provides references on some external resources for further reading.
-It is very suitable for illustrating a topic in class or for self-learning, as it is interesting and the animation is sensible and appropriate, that can promote the readers understanding.
-The codes and the simulation allow students to reinforce their concepts. Learners can modify the code on-the-fly and try different variants. It is categorized into different sub-topics and is easy for learners to identify the learning goals.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
- It also allows users to change the speed of the animation so that readers can adjust the pacing of the steps going forward.
- The layout of the webpage is well designed and the put-down manner is useful for finding a special topic and it also provides a searching field for wild searching.
- In the code area, not only it shows the codes of the algorithms, but it also allows hiding of some code details of a method, so the reader can be more concentrated on the high level of the algorithms when needed.
- The simulation tool is easy to use. Learners can modify the codes and see the effect immediately. It is an interactive tool and well designed. The menu is also easy to navigate.
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
