Abstract: In order to deal with the problems of strong logic, high abstraction, disconnection between teaching and experiment, and lack of interactivity in traditional computer algorithm teaching, based on the three-dimensional scene of a well-known Lushan tourist attraction in Jiangxi province, a graph algorithm virtual simulation system is designed using Unity3D software engine by using virtual reality technology. The system realizes simulation experiment of 5 kinds of graph algorithms. Each graph-algorithm experiment provides 2 operating modes, including “automatic display” and “user interaction”. It also offers the function of entering scenic spots and viewing the Lushan landscape from the user-controlled perspective. Meanwhile, some theoretical problems of the virtual simulation system are discussed, and the key technology and implementation plan to solve these problems are given. Finally, the practicability and flexibility of the virtual simulation system were verified by a case study of Prim minimum spanning tree algorithm. Compared with traditional algorithm teaching and personalized problem-driven teaching methods, the graph algorithm virtual simulation system designed in this paper is more interesting, interactive, and immersive. It not only stimulates students’ exploration and initiative in learning, but also provides a new teaching and experimental method for algorithm and data structure course.

Key words: computer algorithm, algorithm teaching, data structure, undirected graph, virtual reality, virtual simulation