Magdalena Andrzejewska

Eye-tracking verification of the strategy used to analyse algorithms expressed in a flowchart and pseudocode

The results of qualitative and quantitative investigations conducted with individuals who learned algorithms in school are presented in this article. In these investigations, eye-tracking technology was used to follow the process of solving algorithmic problems. The algorithmic problems were presented in two comparable variants: in a pseudocode and flowchart. The eye-tracking data resulted in both qualitative (films registering the gaze paths) and quantitative measures, which allowed the detection and interpretation of the differences in the task-solving strategies between those who found the correct answer and those that did not. The results confirmed a hypothesis that use of the formal notation characteristic of a programming language for presenting algorithms is often a practical difficulty in the process of solving even simple tasks. This study opens a new direction of research; they show that eye-tracking technology can be used to optimise the educational process of learning programming.

Analysis of the Strategy Used to Solve Algorithmic Problem: A Case Study Based on Eye Tracking Research

In this article is presented the result of qualitative investigation in which a case study method and eye tracking technology were used. The participant has analyzed the algorithm shown in the flowchart. The path of saccades and fixations were recorded and the researchers followed the process of solving linear equations. The results confirmed the hypothesis that eye tracking technology can be used to optimize the educational process of learning programming.