Physics Applet

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Physics Applet

• Peter Sheldon
• Lynchburg, VA

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Poll

• Knowledgeable about active learning techniques?
• Use significant active learning (vs. traditional
  lecture)?
• Knowledgeable about Physlets?
• Use Physlets regularly?
• What active learning techniques do you use?
• Intro. vs. Advanced classes?

Most ideas about teaching are not new, but not
everyone knows the old ideas. Euclid, c. 300
BC
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Overview

• Intro to Physlets
• What are they?
• Examples
• Pedagogy
• Evidence of positive impact on learning
• Physlet Technology
• Discussion

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Background

• Davidson College (1996-1998)
• Scripting Physlets
• New Faculty Workshop
• R-MWC since 1998
• Active Learning Using Technology

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Physlets 101

• Java Applets
• By W. Christian and Co.
• Examples
• Scriptable
• Applet vs. Scripts
• Examples
• Website and Text with CD
• Physlets are Unique Flexible

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Pedagogy

• Applets and Physlets What good are they?
• Visualization through Animation Conceptual
  Understanding
• Interactive vs. Passive beyond novice
  problem-solving strategies
• Users can easily see the effect of changing a
  parameter

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Pedagogy

• In what ways might Physlets be used in the
  classroom to improve student learning?
• There is evidence that interactive animations do
  not necessarily improve student learning unless
  they are tied to pedagogically sound curricula
• Replace EOCP, JiTT, Ranking Tasks

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Roadblocks

• What is keeping you, or what might keep someone,
  from using Physlets or other applets with your
  classes?

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Evidence of Improved Learning

• W.C. et al. have tested numerous Physlets, and
  Physlets used with Ranking Tasks, JiTT in General
  Physics and in Quantum Mechanics, and have shown
  significant increases in comprehension and
  problem-solving abilities.

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Physlet and Applet Technology

• Use MERLOT.org
• Use Physlets from the Davidson Web
• Copy scripted Physlets to a local web
• Download .jar files to the right place
• Tell a work-study student to figure out how to
  put them on a local web
• Script your own Physlets
• Download .jar files to the right place

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Discussion

• How do you use them?
• Issues with physlets, applets, technology?
• Resources needed?
• How do students react?

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References

• http//www.merlot.org
• http//webphysics.davidson.edu
• W. Christian and M. Belloni, Physlet Physics
  (Prentice Hall, 2004)
• A. Cox, M. Belloni, W. Christian, Teaching
  Physics with Animated Ranking Task Exercises,
  submitted for publication 8/04
• M. Belloni, W. Christian, Physlets for Quantum
  Mechanics, Computing in Science and Engineering,
  January/February 2003, p 2
• A. Cox, M. Belloni, M. Dancy, W. Christian,
  Teaching thermodynamics with Physlets in
  introductory physics, Physics Education 38(5), p
  433
• M. Dancy, W. Christian, M. Belloni, Teaching
  with Physlets Examples From Optics, The Physics
  Teacher 40, November 2002, p 494