mJeliot : An interactive smartphone-based learning tool for programming lectures

Abstract: Many students struggle when learning how to program. Research shows that lab sessions where students collaboratively solve assignments can improve the novices' learning outcome. Using algorithm visualization to make abstract concepts behind computer programs more visible and to help students explore dynamic algorithmic behaviour have also proven to be a valueable learning aid when students can interact with and influence the visualization. However, many programming courses consist of frontal lectures which do not allow students to actively interact and engage with an algorithm or its visualization. A teacher can not easily utilize the advantages of collaborative programming and visualization engagement in a lecture with the tools available. mJeliot bridges this gap and enables teachers to engage students by providing the means to solve small programming assignments during a lecture and to interact and collaborate in the classroom by utilizing the students' smartphones. Students can solve and share the solution to an assignment and can present it to the class by controlling the resulting visualization.