Sortko: Learning Sorting Algorithms with Mobile Devices

In this paper we present a semester-long study on using smart phone devices in computer science engineering education. We developed Sortko, an Android smart phone application, which helps students in learning sorting algorithms, an important undergraduate computer science topic. The application consists of four main components - the module for interactive sorting, the scaffolding module, the motivational module and the graphical user interface module, each with a distinct role of helping students in learning sorting algorithms. Our research methodology included data collection in which we administered two surveys, collected exam and usage results. Analysis of the collected data shows our approach is an effective way of learning sorting algorithms.