Teaching Algorithm Development Skills

algorithm development, learning environment, Web-based tutoring system. Abstract � The ability to design an algorithm for a given problem is one of the most important, and unfortunately one of the most difficult to accomplish, learning outcomes of computer science courses. We developed a Web-based algorithm development tutor called AlgoTutor to help student learn algorithm development skills. It has previously been shown [13] that students who use AlgoTutor are significantly more likely to think that algorithm design prior to coding is important and to have confidence in their own ability to design an algorithm. From follow up studies, we have found that students who have used AlgoTutor in introductory computer science classes are not only more confident in their ability to design an algorithm, but also more likely to design a correct algorithm than those who have not used AlgoTutor. Additionally, we show that the course management utility for the AlgoTutor system can be used to investigate questions about factors that influence student learning. Based on our findings, we made the AlgoTutor system more effective tutoring tool. 1