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ABSTRACT

There is a long and rich tradition of sort algorithm animations that have been used effectively in instruction. This paper describes a new tool that combines the best of this tradition with the advantages of being in the form of an applet for use on the World Wide Web and of animating the code of the algorithm in concert with the animation of the data. In addition, this tool facilitates student-designed animations that are useful for the debugging of student-written sort algorithms. Recursive sort algorithms are made more accessible through the use of a special feature of the tool that animates the recursion.

REFERENCES

• 1: Baecker, R.M. Sorting out Sorting, color/sound film, University of Toronto, 1981. Distributed by Morgan Kaufmann, San Francisco.
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Animations

Additional Classification:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.2 ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS AND PROBLEM COMPLEXITY
      F.2.2 Nonnumerical Algorithms and Problems
          Subjects: Sorting and searching

  G. Mathematics of Computing
  G.4 MATHEMATICAL SOFTWARE
      Subjects: Algorithm design and analysis

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Animation

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Curriculum

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Human Factors, Management, Performance, Theory