Home // ADVCOMP 2017, The Eleventh International Conference on Advanced Engineering Computing and Applications in Sciences // View article

An Interactive Learning Tool for Teaching Sorting Algorithms

Authors:
Ahmad Qawasmeh
Zohair Obead
Mashal Tariq
Motaz Shamaileh
Ahmad Shafee

Keywords: Algorithm visualization; Performance analysis; E-Learning; Sorting algorithms; Simulation tools

Abstract:
Sorting is a crucial process for managing data and is used in many scientific fields. This paper presents a learning interactive tool that helps students to efficiently understand the concepts, design, and techniques of sorting algorithms. We developed a user-friendly web application, based on some multi-media elements such as graphics interchange format, to describe the working process of different sorting algorithms in a simulation-based way. Six common sorting algorithms that include Bubble sort, Quick sort, Merge sort, Radix sort, Insertion sort, and Selection sort were implemented, analyzed, and demonstrated in this application. Our application simplifies the learning process of algorithms by giving the user an interactive and animated way for analyzing and understanding the design of sorting algorithms in a detailed manner. Based on a conducted study, the results of using our tool demonstrated an average improvement of 40% in the grades of students in the course “Introduction to Algorithms” compared with the students, who did not use this tool in two previous semesters. The tool also increased the students’ motivation and willingness to take this course.

Pages: 34 to 38

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2017

Publication date: November 12, 2017

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4499

ISBN: 978-1-61208-599-9

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Dates: from November 12, 2017 to November 16, 2017