Abstract:

Algorithm visualization tools have been proposed in different teaching and learning contexts in technical education. Visualization tools can increase understanding in students and are favorably considered by educators, but they are difficult to evaluate, both from the interactive point of view, and as far as the learning outcomes they may help to obtain.
In this paper a literature review is carried out regarding the criteria that can be used to classify visualization systems. Two of these criteria are explained: the abstraction level of the system and the type of implementation. Additionally, the evaluation of algorithm visualization tools is also addressed, and the two main aspects of this evaluation, namely usability and educational value, are considered. The usability can be checked by tests with experts and tests with users. The educational value has been evaluated with different techniques, and results vary among authors. Finally, a small sample of visualization systems is described, and some of their most important characteristics explained, including graphical primitives, general structure and implementation language.

Keywords:

Visualization systems, algorithm visualization.