Using the WWW as the delivery mechanism for interactive, visulaization-based instructional modules

Abstract

Visualization has long been an important pedagogical tool in CS education. The widespread use of the Web and the introduction of Java, with its ability to present interactive animated applets and other types of animation, all provide opportunities to expand the availability of visualization-based teaching and learning tools. In addition, the Web introduces new opportunities not available in traditional settings.We start by identifying the types of learning objectives that can be supported by visualizations and the Web environment. Next we look at specific areas where the use of the Web enhances learning beyond the usual visualization, as well as at new learning and teaching paradigms supported by the Web. We then discuss a number of different mechanisms that can be used to deliver visualizations over the Web and new ways of managing displays in the Web-based environment. We point out both advantages and disadvantages of using the Web. A look into the future follows. We consider what changes and improvements we can expect and what specific activities we would like the CS community to undertake. We end with a brief survey of currently available Web-based visualization teaching tools and a commitment to maintain a list of links to these and other sites.