Dennis J. Bouvier

Commonsense computing (episode 5): algorithm efficiency and balloon testing

This paper investigates what students understand about algorithm efficiency before receiving any formal instruction on the topic. We gave students a challenging search problem and two solutions, then asked them to identify the more efficient solution and to justify their choice. Many students did not use the standard worst-case analysis of algorithms; rather they chose other metrics, including average-case, better for more cases, better in all cases, one algorithm being more correct, and better for real-world scenarios. Students were much more likely to choose the correct algorithm when they were asked to trace the algorithms on specific examples; this was true even if they traced the algorithms incorrectly.

Commonsense understanding of concurrency: computing students and concert tickets

Innate understanding of concurrency helps beginners solve CS problems with multiple processes executing at the same time.

Evacuation Traces Mini Challenge award: Innovative trace visualization staining for information discovery

Staining is a technique for categorizing time-varying spatial data; that is, data of things moving through space over time. In Staining, a stain is applied in either time or space, and the objects which move through the stain become marked. This technique and a research prototype demonstrating the technique were developed in response to the VAST 2008 Contest Mini-challenge: Evacuation Traces.

From pixels to scene graphs in introductory computer graphics courses

Abstract The field of computer graphics is expanding and evolving rapidly. Past computer graphics courses addressed low-level topics such as line drawing algorithms (Computers and Graphics 2000;24(1):151–155) while the graphics industry has moved toward scene graph representations of three-dimensional scenes. This discrepancy has moved some educators to suggest graphics courses exclude 2D topics for concentration on 3D. This paper suggests that such a switch is unnecessary and provides a course outline blending old and new topics to provide breadth and relevancy without abandoning the basics.

A Multi-institutional Study of Peer Instruction in Introductory Computing

Peer Instruction (PI) is a student-centric pedagogy in which students move from the role of passive listeners to active participants in the classroom. Over the past five years, there have been a number of research articles regarding the value of PI in computer science. The present work adds to this body of knowledge by examining outcomes from seven introductory programming instructors: three novices to PI and four with a range of PI experience. Through common measurements of student perceptions, we provide evidence that introductory computing instructors can successfully implement PI in their classrooms. We find encouraging minimum (74%) and average (92%) levels of success as measured through student valuation of PI for their learning. This work also documents and hypothesizes reasons for comparatively poor survey results in one course, highlighting the importance of the choice of grading policy (participation vs. correctness) for new PI adopters.

User interface evaluation by novices

This study examines the extent to which novice computing students with minimal computer science coursework and no training in user interface (UI) evaluation consider UI concepts such as usability, user experience, and the context in which software will be used when evaluating an interface. In analyzing the responses of 149 novice computer science students who were asked to evaluate two interfaces for converting temperatures between Fahrenheit and Celsius, we observed that students generally considered usability and user experience factors, but were less likely to consider context. For educators, this exact task could be given to a class in order to initiate discussion of user-centered design; the study also provides a framework for structuring the discussion. More generally, the results of this study provide insight into some opportunities and challenges in teaching good interface design and evaluation skills.

Assignment: scene graphs in computer graphics courses

A number of published papers recommend teaching scene graphs in the introductory computer graphics course [Bouvier 2002; Cunningham 1999; Hitchner and Sowizral 1999; Wolfe 1999]. However, little has been published concerning how to effectively use scene graphs in the introductory computer graphics course. This paper summarizes possible scene graphs exercises and teaching experience of the author.

Pilot Study: User Acceptance of a Virtual Coach in a Mirror by Elderly Persons with Dementia

This reports a pilot study of the willingness and ability of elders with memory diseases to follow directions from a virtual coach. This pilot study included older adult participants with dementia residing in a skilled nursing facility. The participants viewed the virtual coach through, and themselves in, a two-way mirror while the virtual coach led upper body exercises. Four of five participants reacted favorably to the virtual coach. Participants demonstrated the ability to mimic detailed movement of the virtual coach. Data indicate that elderly individuals with dementia will accept the virtual coach and follow its directions.