A Simulated Framework for the Teaching of Distributed Algorithms

A spectrum of algorithm animation systems has evolvedfor the teaching and learning of distributedalgorithms. These have ranged from passive animationsystems which provide multiple prepared views of analgorithm's process for a learner to view stoppause step through or rewind through activesimulation systems which enable a learner to affectchanges to the behavior of an algorithm duringexecution to algorithm construction systems whichenable a learner to create an animation of analgorithm's behavior. However these systems havefailed to catch on in mainstream computer scienceeducation. This is because each system suffers fromone or more shortcomings: lack of real timeengagement with an algorithm's content anunder-developed model of pedagogy time and effortrequired to build an algorithm simulation and lackof evidence to support its pedagogical effectiveness.This book presents an algorithm animation system(FADA) which is designed to address theaforementioned challenges.