Use of audio in software visualization

The concepts and processes of computer programs and algorithms are often found difficult to learn and teach. However, software visualization is an alternative tool to facilitate learning and teaching of those abstract and dynamic entities. In this study, experiments and interviews were carried out to explore the perceived utility of combining animations and text with audio in software visualization. The study thus examines whether learning and teaching can be improved regarding the understanding of basic concepts of object-oriented programming for beginner students by adding recorded verbal explanations. Two kinds of software visualization — program visualization and algorithm visualization — were investigated.