A study into the use of computer simulations to learn physics
In the learning of physics, an in-depth understanding of the relationship between different physical quantities plays a critical role in letting students make sense of the key ideas and concepts. This is traditionally achieved by using diagrams and worked examples. With the availability of comput...
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| Format: | Final Year Project |
| Language: | English |
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Nanyang Technological University
2022
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| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10356/156870 |
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| Institution: | Nanyang Technological University |
| Language: | English |
| Summary: | In the learning of physics, an in-depth understanding of the relationship between different
physical quantities plays a critical role in letting students make sense of the key ideas and
concepts. This is traditionally achieved by using diagrams and worked examples. With the
availability of computer simulations, students can better study the relationship between
physical quantities systemically and see the effects of change in real time.
In recent years, there has been an availability of free and economical software such as
Algodoo and SIMPHY that allows users to easily create simulations on a computer. This
presents new modes of learning for students.
This thesis presents an academic year-long project to investigate the freshmen Engineering
Physics and Physics Majors students’ response to using the computer simulation software for
learning with various computer simulations being incorporated in weekly lectures and tutorials.
Intervention studies were done in two revision lectures and a series of Focus Group
Discussion sessions after the closing of the first semester was conducted. Overall, students
have expressed that computer simulations have help in their visualisation skills and felt
positively about using the software for learning. |
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