Integrating Categories of Algorithm Learning Objective into Algorithm Visualization Design: a Proposal

Algorithm Visualization (AV) can be analyzed and evaluated through three properties: the symbol system, the interactivity, and the didactic structure. While the relationship between various symbol systems have been researched and efforts to increase learner and AV interaction are being made, the importance and potential of the didactic structure of AV is yet to be explored. In view of this deficiency, this paper proposes Categories of Algorithm Learning Objective (CALO) as a pedagogical framework for designing and structuring AV. Based on seven non-hierarchical learning objectives commonly found in CS education, CALO provides a conceptual framework for a more learner-centered design, as well as a shared language for educators, learners and designers for communication and evaluation.