Computer-assisted optics teaching at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Abstract

Traditional methods used in optics teaching lack clarity and vividness when illustrating abstract notions such as polarization or interference. Here's where computer models may help, but they usually show only a single phenomenon or process and don't let the student see the entire picture. For this reason at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology was developed the courseware "Wave Optics on the Computer' consisting of a number of related simulations. It is intended for students studying optics at the Universities. Recently we have developed different simulations in optics for secondary school level. They are included as part oflarge computer courseware "PHYSICS by PICTURES". The courseware "Wave Optics on the Computer" consists of nine large simulation programs and the textbook. The programs are simulating basic phenomena of wave optics. Parameters of optical systems can be varied by the user. The textbook contains theoretical considerations on studied optical phenomena, recommendations concerning work with computer programs, and, especially for those wishing to deeper understand wave optics, original problems for individual solution. At the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology the course "Wave Optics on the Computer" is used for teaching optics in the course of general physics. The course provides both computer assisted teaching for lectures support and computer assisted learning for students during a seminars in the computer classroom.