A Preliminary Framework for Algorithm Animation-Based Language System

Pedagogical algorithm animation systems produce graphical representations that aim to assist learners in understanding the dynamic behavior of computer algorithms. In order to foster active learning, educators have explored algorithm animation systems that empower learners to construct their own animations of algorithms under study. Notably, these systems support a similar development model in which coding the algorithm is temporally distinct from viewing and interacting with the resulting visualization. Given that novice learners are known to lack robust mental models of how code executes, they would especially stand to benefit from a more dynamic programming model that narrows the gap between coding an algorithm and viewing its visualization. We have implemented “What You See Is What You Code”, a novel, “radically dynamic” programming model to facilitate learner-constructed algorithm animations in our Preliminary Framework of the Language System. In this model, the line of algorithm code currently being edited is re-evaluated on every edit, leading to the dynamic update of an accompanying animation of the algorithm. The immediacy of the model's feedback can help novices to quickly identify and correct programming errors, and ultimately to understand their code's execution.