Application Eye-Tracking Technology to Identify Methods of Analysis the Algorithmic Problem

Abstract

This article presents the results of qualitative research, which used eyetracking technology to analyze the process of solving an algorithmic task shown in the form of block diagram. The survey was conducted among middle school students. Identification of the methods of analysis of the algorithm by the respondents were based on films, which record the sights track (scan path), that allows to track the information processing process. The obtained results have revealed that not all students who gave correct answers, were solving the task in correct way. The study also showed that in the case of solving algorithmic tasks, the need to make even simple calculations in memory, can be a heavy cognitive burden for task solver. This observation leads to the conclusion that during the verification of students skills of analysis of algorithms, students should be allowed to make recording of the calculations. The experimental results show, therefore, that eye-tracking technology can be used in the process of improving the methods of teaching of algorithms and programming.