Re: [Visualpython-users] Research on effectiveness of Vpython/computational modeling in the introductory physics classroom

[Andrew D. <du...@bu...>]

On Fri, 25 Apr 2008, Martin Mason wrote:

> I am looking for papers/studies that address the effectiveness of
> computational modeling/visualization in enhancing student learning.

Hi Martin,

Have you seen the paper by Noah Finkelstein and colleagues, "When learning 
about the real world is better done virtually..." ?

In case you have not, you can find it in volume 1 of Physical Review 
Special Topics - Physics Education Research. It's the third article at:

<http://prst-per.aps.org/toc/PRSTPER/v1/i1>

The paper looks at students setting up electric circuits, in which the 
group who used the Phet simulation Circuit Construction Kit subsequently 
does better at setting up real circuits than another group who had 
previous experience with the real components.

By the way, I would also be very interested in seeing a list of other 
papers on the topic of the effectiveness of computer modeling - thanks!

cheers,

Andrew Duffy
Department of Physics
Boston University