visualpython-users

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

[Martin M. <pro...@gm...>]

Hi Folks,

I have been having students use Vpython for about 7 years or so in my intro
engineering physics courses.  The course is structured around several major
projects which contain a computational modeling and visualization
component.  I am giving a workshop on Project Based Learning in Physics
featuring VPython from an implementors perspective.  (For more info see
http://www.physicsworkshops.org/PBP/index.htm)
Basically, when you leave the workshop you should have the tools to
implement computational modeling projects in your classroom.

I am looking for papers/studies that address the effectiveness of
computational modeling/visualization in enhancing student learning.  While I
have
pre and post tested my population with the FCI for five of the past eight
years, my course is too non-traditional to say anything specific about
computational modeling.

Looking through the TPT archives doesn't seem to turn up anything.  I know
Bruce and Ruth put out an article in the AJP this month.
(In fact this months issue is all about Computation)   Can anyone point me
to other sources?

Thanks!
mmason

------
Martin S. Mason
Professor of Physics and Engineering
Mt. San Antonio College
Walnut, CA 91789

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