lunes, 1 de octubre de 2018

Educational Impact of Syntax Directed Translation Visualization, a Preliminary Study


Damián Nicolalde-Rodríguez & Jaime Urquiza-Fuentes. 2018. 2018 IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human-Centric Computing (VL/HCC), Lisbon, Portugal, 1 - 4 October 2018.

Abstract: This work studies the effect of using software visualization to teach syntax directed translation, a complex topic within compiler subjects. A trial was conducted with 34 students using LISA as the visualization tool. It was divided in two phases. Firstly, student’s experience during compilers construction labs was studied, comparing LISA versus CUP. All participants used both tools and answered a questionnaire. LISA was scored as more motivational and easier to use. Moreover, key theoretical concepts were better identified with LISA. Secondly, a typical lecture (control group) was compared against a lecture using LISA (treatment group). Students were randomly distributed between both groups and answered a knowledge test following the lectures. Results showed that the treatment group significantly outperformed the control group. However, areas for improvement have been detected even in the treatment group. These improvements could be addressed by enhancing the visualization tool with features to increase student engagement..