Developing a computer-aided instruction application targeting university students

Over the years, many various studies realized in education to support learning-teaching process. Learning algorithm and programming depending on mental concern is often complex and difficult to understand for students. In general, to overcome those difficulties and help students had better understand the subject several educational tools and methods have been developed. In this study, the introduced model assists students and instructors. Students can practice and assist themselves to learn algorithms and programming concepts. Instructors can use the tool during their teaching classes and get inspired by the data gathered. An educational tool named Algolyzer has been developed for this learner-centered model. Algolyzer depends on finding a solution to implement an algorithm for a predefined algorithmic problem. Students can create algorithmic steps using visual interface that students do not face with programming language syntax issues but only focus on the possible solutions. In addition to this, Algolyzer is also a helper utility for the instructors with giving information about the miscomprehension parts in the teaching process. Instructors can have detailed information on where students need more help, what are the lacking parts using the detailed logs of student activities. The students of Dokuz Eylül University Computer Engineering and Computer Programming Department have used Algolyzer. Usage data has been examined and evaluated at the end of the study and obtained results have been shared with the instructors. The surveys that targeted the users of Algolyzer and model and the feedbacks prove that support the learning process effectively. Keywords: Programming learning, educational tool, simplify algorithm learning, error detection, code generation.