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There are myriad tools available to develop
multimedia materials. The two examples provided here were created
using Camtasia, a screen and audio recording tool that generates
Flash files that can be distributed in small files over the Internet,
and PowerPoint, a presentation tool that can be configured as a
computer-based instruction tutorial.
The first example illustrates the famous Binary
Search algorithm used to search for values in sorted lists. This
algorithm is typically standard curriculum for introductory computer
programming courses across the nation. This particular animation
includes a voice narration to explain the process and uses a
combination of visual cues to help the students follow along.
The second example illustrates the Bubble Sort algorithm
used to sort lists. This is an inefficient sorting technique, but
is simple enough for students to learn in an introductory programming
course. This particular program was developed using PowerPoint
and does not include narration. However, it includes on screen
text and simple visual cues to explain the inter workings of the
algorithm.
Neither of these examples are perfect scenarios, but they
do illustrate the instructional power of animations to communicate
computer programming concepts. Both multimedia tutorials were
developed in less than 4-hours. How many pages in a book would it have
take to explain these algorithms visually?
Remember, for the effects of the animations to be
effective for learning, these resources must be combined with
meaningful instruction. In this particular case, students are
provided a few examples to apply the algorithms. Following the
practice, students are required to implement these algorithms in real
programs.
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