Algorithms 2010, 3(2), 168-182; doi:10.3390/a3020168
Article

A Family of Tools for Supporting the Learning of Programming

Guido Rößlingemail
Department of Computer Science, TU Darmstadt, Hochschulstr. 10, D-64289 Darmstadt, Germany
Received: 25 February 2010; in revised form: 16 March 2010 / Accepted: 22 March 2010 / Published: 15 April 2010
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Software Tools for Learning and Teaching Computer Programming Concepts)
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Abstract: Both learning how to program and understanding algorithms or data structures are often difficult. This paper presents three complementary approaches that we employ to help our students in learning to program, especially during the first term of their study. We use a web-based programming task database as an easy and risk-free environment for taking the first steps in programming Java. The Animal algorithm visualization system is used to visualize the dynamic behavior of algorithms and data structures. We complement both approaches with tutorial videos on using the Eclipse IDE. We also report on the experiences with this combined approach.
Keywords: algorithm animation; Animal; programming support; WebTasks

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MDPI and ACS Style

Rößling, G. A Family of Tools for Supporting the Learning of Programming. Algorithms 2010, 3, 168-182.

AMA Style

Rößling G. A Family of Tools for Supporting the Learning of Programming. Algorithms. 2010; 3(2):168-182.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rößling, Guido. 2010. "A Family of Tools for Supporting the Learning of Programming." Algorithms 3, no. 2: 168-182.

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