SHALEX

Most systems designed to teach algorithms using visualization and animation techniques have not proved to be educationally effective. To satisfy this aim, some recently built systems use a hypermedia environment to provide knowledge and context to explain algorithms. In this research project, we develop a system called Structured Hypermedia Algorithm Explanation (SHALEX), which provides several novel and important features. In particular, our hypermedia environment can reflect the structure of an algorithm. We define this structure as a directed graph of abstractions, where each abstraction is designed to focus on a single operation used directly or indirectly in the algorithm. This way an algorithm may be studied top-down, bottom-up, or using a mix of the two. In addition, SHALEX includes a student model to provide spatial and temporal links, and to support evaluations and adaptations.

The SHALEX project was performed from 2005 until 2008 in collaboration with the Computer Science Department of Acadia University, Canada.