Algorythmics: technologically and artistically enhanced computer science education
Algorythmics: technologically and artistically enhanced computer science education

Author(s): Zoltán Kátai
Subject(s): Library and Information Science, Education and training
Published by: Scientia Kiadó
Keywords: computing; educational systems in the 21st century; AlgoRythmics project; algorithm visualization environment; contextualization; sorting algorithms by professional dance choreographies;
Summary/Abstract: A major responsibility of educational systems in the 21st century is to prepare future generations for the challenges involved with the increasing computerization of our everyday lives and to meet the demands of one of the fastest-growing job markets: computing. The goal of our beloved AlgoRythmics project is to promote computing education for all by taking into account the key elements from the most relevant computational thinking definitions. For this purpose, we created an engaging algorithm visualization environment. The environment is built around a collection of interactive dynamic visualizations illustrating basic computer algorithms. Making computing education attractive for different categories of learners is a challenging initiative. A possible approach might be contextualization. The AlgoRythmics learning environment has been designed along this approach. Since music and dance are relatively close to most people, this environment visualizes searching and sorting algorithms by professional dance choreographies (folkdance, flamenco, ballet). The “dance floor” we created is an interactive and intuitive user interface which guides learners from the dance to the code. From the perspective of the teaching-learning process, the most important features of the environment are its unified, artistically enhanced, human-movement-effect-enriched, multisensory, and interactive character. What is this book about? About the AlgoRythmics universe. Of course, we did not dream of a complex teaching-learning tool and the attached didactical methods overnight. The AlgoRythmics project has its own particular history. Through this book, we invite the reader to accompany us as we virtually relive the AlgoRythmics adventure.

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