TY - JOUR
T1 - VisualCodeMOOC
T2 - A course platform for algorithms and data structures integrating a conversational agent for enhanced learning through dynamic visualizations
AU - Li, Mingyuan
AU - Wang, Duan
AU - Purwanto, Erick
AU - Selig, Thomas
AU - Zhang, Qing
AU - Liang, Hai Ning
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Authors
PY - 2025/5
Y1 - 2025/5
N2 - The abstract nature of algorithms and data structures poses challenges for students, and the integration of visualization into comprehensive learning systems remains underexplored. This article presents VisualCodeMOOC, incorporating VisualCodeChat, a conversational agent that enhances algorithm and data structure learning through dynamic visualizations and personalized feedback. The platform effectively addresses these challenges, improving student engagement and comprehension. With instructions structuring, novel response-based algorithm visualization, exercise design, VisualCodeMOOC provides a cohesive and supportive learning environment that promotes active learning. Evaluation results demonstrate its usability, responsiveness, and educational value, confirming its potential as a promising tool for advancing computer science education.
AB - The abstract nature of algorithms and data structures poses challenges for students, and the integration of visualization into comprehensive learning systems remains underexplored. This article presents VisualCodeMOOC, incorporating VisualCodeChat, a conversational agent that enhances algorithm and data structure learning through dynamic visualizations and personalized feedback. The platform effectively addresses these challenges, improving student engagement and comprehension. With instructions structuring, novel response-based algorithm visualization, exercise design, VisualCodeMOOC provides a cohesive and supportive learning environment that promotes active learning. Evaluation results demonstrate its usability, responsiveness, and educational value, confirming its potential as a promising tool for advancing computer science education.
KW - Algorithm visualization
KW - Conversational agent
KW - MOOC
KW - Programming education
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85217454184&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.softx.2025.102072
DO - 10.1016/j.softx.2025.102072
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85217454184
SN - 2352-7110
VL - 30
JO - SoftwareX
JF - SoftwareX
M1 - 102072
ER -