Comparison of algorithm learning tools to assist the education of alabama students

Abstract

With the introduction of the Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) education standards, there is a need for Alabama teachers at all grade levels to be equipped with software tools that can be used to bolster students' learning of content standards as well as the knowledge and resources to quickly begin leveraging them in the classroom. The purpose of this paper is to examine software solutions that can be adapted for teaching within the scope of DLCS content standards based on, among other characteristics, cost, supplemental resources, verbal and coding language options, and accessibility. It was found that free and open-source tools with a wide range of additional resources exist in abundance. However, these tools generally lack accessibility, either for English as a second language (ESL) or blind/visually impaired users. Furthermore, integration with learning management systems (LMS) is very limited, but in some instances, this is a limitation of the LMS rather than the software, and file submission for assignments ensures these tools are still viable for instructors and schools that rely on an LMS in their classes.