Exploring the joint use of educational theories and information technology to improve CS courses

While teaching the “Advanced Algorithms” course for several years, we have recurrently found a number of students' difficulties and misconceptions on algorithms. We successfully addressed interventions for some of these problems, but we wanted a more holistic approach. Based on recommendations from cognitive load theory and variation theory, we have developed or modified different materials in the course: lecture notes, worked examples, and quizzes. We present such developments and the results of evaluating quizzes and assignments. Results are partially satisfactory but there is room for further enhancements. We identify the topics that deserve more elaboration. In addition, we recommend to force all the students to answer quizzes, for instance as a prerequisite to assignments.