SALSA and ALVIS: A Language and System for Constructing and Presenting Low Fidelity Algorithm Visualizations

Authors:
Christopher Hundhausen;Sarah Douglas
Affiliations:
-;-
Venue:
VL '00 Proceedings of the 2000 IEEE International Symposium on Visual Languages (VL'00)
Year:
2000

Citing 0
Cited 7

Visualizing roles of variables in program animation

Information Visualization - Special issue: Software visualization
JHAVÉ: Supporting Algorithm Visualization

IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications
Merging interactive visualizations with hypertextbooks and course management

ITiCSE-WGR '06 Working group reports on ITiCSE on Innovation and technology in computer science education
JHAVÉ -- More Visualizers (and Visualizations) Needed

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science (ENTCS)
A survey of literature on the teaching of introductory programming

Working group reports on ITiCSE on Innovation and technology in computer science education
Human-centered visualization environments

Human-centered visualization environments
Investigating cognitive task difficulties and expert skills in e-Learning storyboards using a cognitive task analysis technique

Computers & Education

Quantified Score

Hi-index	0.00

Visualization

Abstract

Computer science educators have traditionally used algorithm visualization (AV) software to create graphical representations of algorithms that are later used as visual aids in lectures, or as the basis for interactive labs. Based on ethnographic field studies we have conducted in an undergraduate algorithm course, we advocate an alternative teaching approach in which students use simple art supplies to construct and present their own visualizations to their peers and instructor for feedback and discussion. To support this approach, we have built SALSA and ALVIS, a prototype language and system that enable students to (a) quickly construct rough, unpolished (驴low fidelity驴) visualizations in much the same way they would do so with simple art supplies, and (b) interactively present those visualizations to an audience. Our prototype pioneers a novel technique for programming visualizations based on spatial relations, and a novel presentation interface that supports reverse execution and dynamic mark-up and modification.