Visual Models Problem Solving with Computers

What’s a model? A useful representation Useful Includes those elements of something needed to answer a question or solve a problem Representation Just those elements needed; nothing more

What’s a model? Can be used to represent … Objects Processes With respect to Know/Need/Do … Facts and figures Algorithm Answer

What’s a model? A way to represent an object or a process Tangible representation for an audience to examine and relate to All parties involved can understand and relate to it. * * “Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Rational Unified Process (RUP)”, Online:

What is a Visual Model? Utilize graphical elements to convey information Often makes the abstract concrete Examples: Street maps Assembly diagrams Company organizations charts

Graphical Organizers Outlines Concept Maps

Outlines Hierarchical ordering of steps Lower order steps can be added through refinement Useful for Stepwise development Overall view of process

Algorithms Structured model of process or method Sequence of steps Executable Terminating Useful for Stepwise development

Example How to boil water 1.Get pot 2.Fill pot with water 3.Place pot on burner 4.Turn burner to high 5.Wait till water boils 6.Turn off burner How would you break down each of these steps?

Pseudocode Structured model of process or method Uses language with loose syntax Generally English and Programming language combined

Concept Maps “Concept Maps”, Online: Spider Hierarchy Flowcharts Systems Picture Landscape Multidimensional Mandala

Spider Maps (aka Webs) Place the central theme or unifying factor in the center of the map Outwardly radiate sub-themes surround the center of the map

Spider Maps Central Theme Sub-Theme

Spider Maps Problem Solving with Computers Know Need Do Data Information Knowledge Models Visual Models Symbolic Models Physical Models Problems Numerical Textual Logical

Hierarchy Presents information in a descending order of importance The most important information is placed on the top Distinguishing factors determine the placement of the information

Hierarchy Most important idea Other ideas

Hierarchy President Academic Vice- President Financial Vice- President Dean, Ancell School of Business Dean, Arts & Sceince Dean, Professional Studies

Could you … ? Represent the “Boil Water” algorithm as a hierarchy? Or how about your “Build a House” map?

Try this! Create a spider map that shows the relationships among all materials needed to build a house Brainstorm a list of materials Turn the list into a spider map adding one item at a time Use MS Visio to create a final version

Flowcharts Structured model of process or method Focuses on flow from one step to another Useful for macro view of process

Flowcharts This is called a flowchart Money < $15.00 Stay home Movie & soda Movie, soda & popcorn Money < $10.50

Flowcharts Boxes represent actions Money < $15.00 Stay home Movie & soda Movie, soda & popcorn Money < $10.50

Flowcharts Diamonds represent decision points Money < $15.00 Stay home Movie & soda Movie, soda & popcorn Money < $10.50

Flowcharts Arrows show flow Money < $15.00 Stay home Movie & soda Movie, soda & popcorn Money < $10.50

Flowcharts The arrow at the top tells us there were previous steps The arrow at the bottom tells us there are subsequent steps Money < $15.00 Stay home Movie & soda Movie, soda & popcorn Money < $10.50

Flowcharts: Boiling Water Turn off burner Get potFill pot with waterPlace pot on burnerTurn burner to highWait till water boils Lift lid Lower lid Are there bubbles? Yes No Wait till water boils

Try This! Create a flowchart that represents the process of walking from White Hall to Dining Hall, lower level, Student Center Are there alternate ways to do this? How might you represent alternates “paths” in a flowchart?