23. Animated Algorithms
In this chapter we introduce Animated Algorithms, a multimedia system for computer science education that illustrates a new class of educational multimedia applications characterized by a seamless integration of different multimedia data types. The combination of hypertext, computer animation, and digital video results in an interactive hypermedia learning environment impossible to realize before the advent of multimedia technology. Animated Algorithms is an integrated hypermedia learning environment for teaching and studying computer science algorithms. It tries to aid in the understanding of core algorithmic concepts that are especially difficult to comprehend by students. Algorithms are a complex subject to teach and understand. One of the difficulties in understanding an algorithm is the development of a sophisticated conceptualization of the algorithm from written explanations and pseudocode. Our system applies the concepts of algorithm animation, hypertext, and digital video to facilitate this task.