An intelligent tutoring system for interactive learning of data structures

Abstract

The high level of abstraction necessary to teach data structures and algorithmic schemes has been more than a hindrance to students. In order to make a proper approach to this issue, we have developed and implemented during the last years, at the Computer Science Department of the Complutense University of Madrid, an innovative intelligent tutoring system for the interactive learning of data structures according to the new guidelines of the European Higher Education Area. In this paper, we present the main contributions to the design of this intelligent tutoring system. In the first place, we describe the tool called Vedya for the visualization of data structures and algorithmic schemes. In the second place, the Maude system to execute the algebraic specifications of abstract data types using the Eclipse system, by which it is possible to study from the more abstract level of a software specification up to its specific implementation in Java, thereby allowing the students a self-learning process. Finally, we describe the Vedya Professor module, designed to allow teachers to monitor the whole educational process of the students. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.