The arcade laboratory

Abstract

We propose different ways to use the computer to help teach algorithms. Our objective however is not to develop a complete and autonomous computer assisted course, such that the student would be given a set of floppy disks and would come back a few months later only for his exams! We want rather to provid e students and teachers with software tools tha t enhance and complement teaching practices as they exist in a traditional environment: formal lectures; exercises in small groups; individual computer assignments.This paper presents elements that guided us during the elaboration of this laboratory: basic ideas, dreams and pedagogical choices. We describe the laboratory as it is today and we try to analyze its potential for students, teachers and software authors. We conclude on possible further developments.