CGVis: A Visualization-Based Learning Platform for Computational Geometry Algorithms

Computational Geometry is a field of study whose full comprehension by students requires a combination of mathematical, algorithmic and application-oriented approaches. Due to the inherently visual nature of geometrical problems as well as to the complexity of related algorithms in terms of data structures and concepts employed, algorithm visualization can provide significant added value to the learning process, by helping shorten the cognitive distance gap between concept and visualization. In this paper, we describe CGVis, a visualization-based interactive educational platform for Computational Geometry algorithms. The paper explains the major design decisions adopted and describes the platform’s main features and functionality in detail. The platform has been evaluated in real-world settings by capturing postgraduate students’ response and feedback regarding usefulness, usability and user experience, as well as by measuring the platform’s educational effectiveness.