Algorithm Learning Environment for Linked List with Programmers’ Perspective

Abstract

We have constructed a learning environment in which algorithm/programming learners can operate objects on a linked list model in its domain world. The main advantage of our system is that our model reflects an expert programmers’ perspective: some concepts of programming, and some implicit restrictions caused by those algorithms are written for computers not for people. Such a perspective is important for understanding algorithms; however, it is not common that this perspective is taught to learners explicitly. In this paper, we proposed such a model for a linked list as an example of dynamic data structure. An evaluation of the system and model with the programmers’ perspective showed a marginally positive effect for understanding algorithms.