A Two-Perspective Visualization Approach for Utilizing Visualization Power in Computer Science Education

  • Authors:

  • Ragaad Altarawneh;Shah Rukh Humayoun

  • Affiliations:

  • University of Kaiserslautern and Computer Graphics and HCI Group, University of Kaiserslautern, Gottlieb-Daimler-Str. 67663 - Kaiserslautern, Germany;University of Kaiserslautern and Computer Graphics and HCI Group, University of Kaiserslautern, Gottlieb-Daimler-Str. 67663 - Kaiserslautern, Germany

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 3rd Computer Science Education Research Conference on Computer Science Education Research
  • Year:
  • 2013

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Abstract

In this article, we propose a two-perspective visualization approach to show how the visualization power can be utilized in explaining some computer science concepts during the lecture. Explaining an abstract concept in theoretical computer science requires a lot of imagination of the entities relations in the underlying algorithm or in the underlying data flow. Lecturers need the help of some of visualization techniques in conveying these complex concepts. Our proposed approach helps lecturers in conveying abstract concepts in computer science through producing visual representations from either static perspective or dynamic perspective, depending on the nature of the concept. We suggest an algorithm for designers to help them in deciding which perspective might be used to visualize the underlying concept. We performed a brief case study with some embedded-system engineering students, where we examined our approach in explaining the safety analyzing process of embedded systems. The results of the study show the advantages of using the visualization during the lecture, as most of the participated students commented that our approach helped them in realizing the concept faster. Moreover, it was easy for them in understanding the unseen details of the underlying concept.