Feeling physics: computer packages for building concepts and understanding

Abstract

Computer aided learning offers real benefits in the teaching of physics. The Software Teaching of Modular Physics (SToMP) package described here has been developed in the UK and its flexible Windows style appeals to both students and teachers.

Developing organisational ‘off‐the‐shelf’ capacity: Continued implications for tutors who wish to increase their re‐use of electronically delivered time‐based media

“…It is therefore relatively easy to introduce new editing technology or completed films as an effective learning tool. Or in a subject such as Physics, where visualisation of complex concepts is difficult, visualisation may offer a mechanism for overcoming already identified learning issues (Bacon & Swithenby, 1996;Gillies et al, 1996). The skills necessary to programme visual materials from mathematical equations are normally already available in the subject area, so it is relatively easy to introduce this new aspect to learners.…”

Neuro‐Lab: A highly reusable software‐based environment to teach artificial neural networks

“…That is an obvious requirement, as we have serious time restrictions, and the student can not start to effectively learn after being familiarized with the interface of the environment he or she is using [15].…”

“…One of the reasons for including simulations in students' training is the possibility of showing the dynamic characteristics and temporal evolution of systems [13,14], which is particularly interesting in the context of neural networks teaching. Moreover, using computers with suitable simulation software avoids having to deal with all the tedious and complex calculus underlying ANNs, thus overcoming student's loss of interest [15]. Finally, efficiency of simulations as compared to classic training methods like theoretical lessons or laboratory practices, has long been appreciated (i.e., [16À18]).…”

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“…One consists in using computers for the familiarization of students with styles of works and proceedings behind the technical and scientific activities nowadays [12,13,16]. The other has been more popular and it addresses the use of computers to make the teaching-learning process easier, becoming a valuable tool for the teachers [6,10,11,[17][18][19], usually in the introduction of more complex concepts [20][21][22]. This is the case for example of interactive tutorials, simulators, multimedia, animations, etc.…”