Multimedia application for educational purposes: Development of algorithmic thinking

AbstractThis paper is based on many years’ experience with multimedia applications supporting the area of computer science education and it could serve as an inspirational material directed to all educators developing students’ algorithmic thinking. Education of subjects related with computer science is from the perspective of other for centuries taught subjects, still in its infancy. Even nowadays a teaching method aimed at developing algorithmic thinking of students is still the subject of extensive discussions and teachers are looking for different ways on how to access it to students. Next to the educational approach to this base of computer science it is also important to find a suitable support for students’ self-learning. Multimedia applications give teachers an excellent chance to demonstrate and visualize the subject matter more clearly and comprehensibly, as well as also enabling them to prepare study material for students which optimizes their study habits. Along with large software products developed by a team of professionals there are also various smaller programs dealing with objects appropriate to course subject matter created on a script given by the teacher with regard to students’ needs. In the paper such application prepared to intensify self-preparation of students in subjects developing algorithmic thinking is introduced and its benefit discussed. Animations useful to be used as an introductory complement to lectures are introduced as well. At the end advantages of the professional virtual learning environment containing such study material are mentioned