An Evaluation of the Effortless Approach to Build Algorithm Animations with WinHIPE

J. Urquiza-Fuentes, J.Á. Velázquez-Iturbide. Electr. Notes Theor. Comput. Sci. 178, 2007, Pages 3-13 

Abstract. The use of algorithm visualizations in computer science education is not a new thing. Although there is a firm belief that graphical representations of algorithms are learning aids, empirical studies show that what is important is what the students do with the animations rather than what they see in them. In this paper we compare to kinds of interaction: viewing animations vs constructing animations. We have conducted a controlled experiment where a group of students (n=15) had to study an algorithm and complete a knowledge test about it and a subjective opinion questionnaire. Students were randomly divided in constructing and viewing groups. Results have been measured by means of learning outcomes, efficiency issues and student's subjective opinion. Results significantly evidence that builders obtained better results than viewers.

An Approach to the Use and Automatic Generation of Web-Based Learning Materials

V. Fresno-Fernández, S. Montalvo-Herranz, J. Pérez-Iglesias, J. Urquiza-Fuentes, and J.A. Veázquez-Iturbide. Advances in Web-Based Learning – ICWL 2004, LNCS Volume 3143, 2004, pp 201-208

This paper presents an approach to automatic generation and use of web-based learning materials (WLMs). It is made up of three phases: contents creation, division and browsing. Using XML in the creation phase, the independence between contents and their presentation, in addition to contents reusing, is achieved. The splitting phase is a automatical process and its output can be used in several WLMs. In the browsing phase two interfaces are implemented, an user-adaptative and a non-adaptative interface. The main features of our approach enables users to create learning content without a proof technical knowledge and e®ectivelly navigate the material to their needs.

Program Visualization for the Functional Paradigm

J. Urquiza-Fuentes and J.A. Velázquez-Iturbide
Proceedings of the Third Program Visualization Workshop, PVW 2004, pp 2-9.
University of Warwick, Coventry, UK, July 1-2, 2004

Improving the Access to XML Contents of Large Electronic Publications

In this paper we present a technique to access the contents of large XML documents. This technique can be applied to domains where large amounts of data are handled, on condition that those contents only require to be updated in a scheduled or sporadic way. We have implemented it in a system, named ALEP (Access to XML contents of Large Electronic Publications). First, ALEP preprocess the XML document, then it is used together with DOM API. One of their advantages is that it can be integrated into any software for management XML electronic publications. We have compared ALEP with DOM and SAX API’s improving both, time and space measures, with large documents of size greater than 18 MB megabytes acceding to a hundred of XML elements.

Fresno-Fernandez, V., R. Martinez-Unanue, M. Paredes-Velasco, J. Urquiza-Fuentes, and J. A. Velazquez-Iturbide. “IMPROVING THE ACCESS TO XML CONTENTS OF LARGE ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS” In ELPUB2002 – Technology Interactions. Proceedings of the 6th International ICCC/IFIP Conference on Electronic Publishing. ELPUB. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic: VWF Berlin, 2002.

Redesigning the Animation Capabilities of a Functional Programming Environment under an Educational Framework

Animation systems not only should be built on technical basis (e.g. a programming model for execution) but also centered on their user. This is particularly important in most current animation systems, which are used for educational use. WinHIPE is a programming environment for functional programming that provides visualization and animation capabilities for expression evaluation. It was designed for education, giving a simple interaction based on the office metaphor. In this paper, we present a systematic redesign of WinHIPE capabilities that takes into consideration three dimensions: a model of program execution, a model of program visualization/animation, and support to build and maintain animations. The last dimension is based on a metaphor of animations as office documents. In addition, Anderson and Naps’ framework is used to assess and refine the animation capabilities of the system for education. After this redesign, the usability of WinHIPE for educators and students has been enhanced in a systematic way.

Proceedings of the 2nd Program Visualization Workshop. DAIMI Report Series, 59-68