Software educativo de visualização de ponteiros

Abstract

In computer science, pointers are a topic known for being difficult for students to comprehend. One of the main reasons for this is the need to build a robust mental model of the computer in the student’s mind that describes the computer memory and its relationship with the dynamics of program execution. To guide the construction of these models, teachers use, either explicitly or not, consistent abstracts models of the computer, known as notional machines. This work aims to propose an interactive visualization for these notional machines in the form of a software service grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory. Exploratory usages of the proposed tool in introductory Computer Science classes at UFRN resulted mostly in positive impressions from students and highlighted points for improvement in both software aspects and pedagogical strategies.