E-Learning Computer Science Data Structure and Algorithms Abstract Data Type Test Case Generator
Issue Date:
2008
Publisher:
Institute of Information Theories and Applications FOI ITHEA
Abstract:
E-learning is supposing an innovation in teaching, raising from the development of new technologies. It
is based in a set of educational resources, including, among others, multimedia or interactive contents accessible
through Internet or Intranet networks. A whole spectrum of tools and services support e-learning, some of them
include auto-evaluation and automated correction of test-like exercises, however, this sort of exercises are very
constrained because of its nature: fixed contents and correct answers suppose a limit in the way teachers may
evaluation students. In this paper we propose a new engine that allows validating complex exercises in the area
of Data Structures and Algorithms. Correct solutions to exercises do not rely only in how good the execution of
the code is, or if the results are same as expected. A set of criteria on algorithm complexity or correctness in the
use of the data structures are required. The engine presented in this work covers a wide set of exercises with
these characteristics allowing teachers to establish the set of requirements for a solution, and students to obtain a
measure on the quality of their solution in the same terms that are later required for exams.