1. Use of Interactive Technology to Promote Active Learning in Physics Priscilla W. Laws Research Professor of Physics Dickinson College, USA ALOP 2007 Workshop in São Paulo, Brazil

2. Activity Based Physics Combining Physics Education Research (PER) with computer tools to enhance learning in introductory courses

3. ABP Group* Pat Cooney Karen Cummings Priscilla Laws David Sokoloff E.F. Redish Ron Thornton Maxine Willis John Garrett David Jackson Scott Franklin Kerry Browne Bob Teese * Supported off and on since 1986 by : National Science Foundation (USA) U.S. Department of Education (FIPSE) The Charles A. Dana Foundation

4. ABP Group Activities Curriculum development Apparatus Design Computer Hardware & Software Design Physics Education Research Dissemination

5. Activity Based Learning Environment Students construct knowledge from their own observations and peer discussions Students are challenged to compare predictions (based on their beliefs) to their own observations Students change their beliefs when confronted by differences between their initial beliefs and their own observations and experiments Instructor is a guide rather than an authority

6. Using Computers

7. Computer-Assisted Data Acquisition Hardware (CADA) Interface to USB Port on Computer Force Sensor Motion Detector Temperature Sensor * Vernier Software & Technology (www.vernier.com) ** PASCO scientific (www. pasco.com)

8. Computer-Assisted Data Acquisition Software Interface to USB Port on Computer Force Sensor Motion Detector Temperature Sensor * Vernier Software & Technology (www.vernier.com) ** PASCO scientific (www. pasco.com) Collect Data from one or more sensors in “real time” Position Sound waves Temperature Magnetic Field Pressure Current and Voltage And many more Insert a video and analyze positions on each frame

9. An Example of CADA The Ultrasonic Motion Detector

10. Learning Kinematics with an ultrasonic Motion Detector first by walking and then by observing the motions of low friction carts with attached fans Computer Assisted Data Acquisition & Analysis Tools (CADAA)

11. Learning Kinematics with an ultrasonic Motion Detector first by walking and then by observing the motions of low friction carts with attached fans Open Kinematics.cmbl file Computer Assisted Data Acquisition & Analysis Tools (CADAA)

12. Video Capture & Analysis Software Capture Software: LoggerPro or VideoPoint Capture

13. Demonstration of LoggerPro Video Tools 1. Capture 2. Analysis Open Movie Capture and Analysis

14. Why Newton’s Laws Are Hard to Teach the 1st law is unbelievable the 2nd law is incomprehensible the 3rd law is mere religious incantation –Jon Ogborn

15. How Students Use Computer Tools to Understand Newton’s Law

16. Newton’s First Law

17. Computer Software Use the LoggerPro Software with either: A motion detector or Video capture and analysis Box on carpet Cart on Track

18. Verifying Newton’s 1st Law by Inductive Reason and Experiments

19. Newton’s Second Law

20. Relate Force and Acceleration by Using a Motion Detector & Force Sensor

21. Wireless Force & Acceleration Sensor

22. Newton’s Second Law using a Force Sensor & Motion Detector (or Accelerometer) Computer Assisted Data Acquisition & Analysis Tools (CADAA) Open Fvs.A.cmbl

23. Newton’s Third Law

24. Computer Assisted Data Acquisition & Analysis Tools (CADAA) Verify Newton’s Third Law using Remote Force Sensors Open Car-Truck_Synch2.mov Open Run2_CarTruckData&Photos.cmbl

25. Our Philosophy of Computer Use Flexible tools to explore and model the real world through direct investigation Transferable computer skills Not used as a tutorial device Simulations only used if real experience is inaccessible

26. Evaluating Student Learning

27. Conceptual Evaluations The Force Motion Concept Evaluation (FMCE) The Heat and Temperature Concept Evaluation (HTCE) The Light and Optics Concept Evaluation (LOCE) The Electric Circuits Concept Evaluation (ECCE) The Mathematical Modeling Concept Evaluation (MMCE) The Vector Evaluation Test (VET) http://physics.dickinson.edu/~wp_web/wp_resour ces/wp_assessment.html

28. The Force & Motion Conceptual Evaluation (FMCE) Results of Pre & Post Testing using Activity Based Physics Curricula

29. Traditional Instruction FMCE Results University of Oregon ‘89- ‘ 90 N = 240 students

30. RealTime Physics FMCE Results University of Oregon

31. Very New Products 1. LabQuest (Vernier Software & Technology 2. Classroom Spectrometry 3. The $100 USD Computer: OLPCOLPC One Laptop Per Child (OLPC)

32. Vernier Software & Technology www.vernier.com A hand held device Screen can be seen outdoors Compatable with 30 or more Vernier Sensors Data can be collected and analyzed immediately Has 6 sensor inputs

33. Screen can be seen outdoors Use as interface with a computer Transfer Data to a computer or memory stick

34. Beer’s Law: Absorbance vs. Concentration for NiSO 4

35. OLPC Under Development by Former MIT Media Lab Faculty

36. SpecificationsSpecifications LCD and Black & White displays at 200dpi (900x1200) Microphone & 3 USB Connectors Video Camera Wireless communication Runs 6 v. Battery (NiMH)

37. Graphic Interface