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Kirk Pruhs, Computer Science, is director of the
Animating Algorithms Using Java for Computer
Science 1501 project, which aims to create
animations for algorithms in Java programming language
and to post the animations on the World Wide Web.
The animation program simulates the algorithm,
showing the user the state of the algorithm at each
step. The
user can control the animation in a way that is similar
to controlling a VCR.
Obviously, this will assist students in learning
standard algorithms.
Pruhs says his experience has shown that students
learn best with many concrete examples, and they need
many good examples to study. However, space constraints inherent in a textbook or
blackboard, as well as time constraints of a classroom,
prevent the sharing of a sufficient number of examples
to meet the needs of many students.
With the standardization of the World Wide Web
and the wide adoption of Java, it has become possible to
create animations that may be easily viewed by all.
Currently, every student majoring in computer
science and computer engineering is required to take CS
1501, which is also taken by students from other science
disciplines.
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Kirk
Pruhs |
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With the grant, Pruhs and co-director John
Ramirez, Computer Science, will hire one student
programmer for the academic year 2000-2001.
Pruhs has been a faculty member in the Department
of Computer Science since 1989, and his main research
expertise is in algorithms.
His research in algorithms is funded by the
National Science Foundation and the U.S. Air Force.
Ramirez has been a lecturer at Pitt since 1992.
His dissertation dealt with algorithmic issues.
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