The magic of algorithm design and analysis: teaching algorithmic skills using magic card tricks

Joao Ferreira; Alexandra Mendes

doi:10.1145/2591708.2591745

The magic of algorithm design and analysis: teaching algorithmic skills using magic card tricks

Joao Ferreira, Alexandra Mendes

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review

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Abstract

We describe our experience using magic card tricks to teach algorithmic skills to first-year Computer Science undergraduates. We illustrate our approach with a detailed discussion on a card trick that is typically presented as a test to the psychic abilities of an audience. We use the trick to discuss concepts like problem decomposition, pre- and post-conditions, and invariants. We discuss pedagogical issues and analyse feedback collected from students. The feedback has been very positive and encouraging.

Original language	English
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1145/2591708.2591745
Publication status	Published - 2014
Event	19th Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education - Uppsala, Sweden Duration: 23 Jun 2014 → 25 Jun 2014

Conference

Conference	19th Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education
Country/Territory	Sweden
City	Uppsala
Period	23/06/14 → 25/06/14

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10.1145/2591708.2591745Licence: Other

Accepted manuscriptAccepted author manuscript, 139 KBLicence: CC BY-NC-ND

Cite this

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abstract = "We describe our experience using magic card tricks to teach algorithmic skills to first-year Computer Science undergraduates. We illustrate our approach with a detailed discussion on a card trick that is typically presented as a test to the psychic abilities of an audience. We use the trick to discuss concepts like problem decomposition, pre- and post-conditions, and invariants. We discuss pedagogical issues and analyse feedback collected from students. The feedback has been very positive and encouraging.",

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AU - Mendes, Alexandra

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AB - We describe our experience using magic card tricks to teach algorithmic skills to first-year Computer Science undergraduates. We illustrate our approach with a detailed discussion on a card trick that is typically presented as a test to the psychic abilities of an audience. We use the trick to discuss concepts like problem decomposition, pre- and post-conditions, and invariants. We discuss pedagogical issues and analyse feedback collected from students. The feedback has been very positive and encouraging.

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T2 - 19th Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education

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The magic of algorithm design and analysis: teaching algorithmic skills using magic card tricks

Abstract

Conference

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Cite this