A study of the usefulness of technology in enhancing 3D imagination and thinking for selected physics courses

• Main Author: Lau, Jonathan Keng Feng
• Other Authors: Ho Shen Yong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science; DRNTU::Science::General::Education
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/75643
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Over the years, education in general has vastly improved in structure and teaching methods. Teaching methods were important in relaying the conceptual understanding of students, and this could not be done if students were not motivation to learn physics. Hence, various teaching methods to improve education have been explored throughout the years, from chalkboard teaching to PowerPoint presentation which includes interactive animations that are visually helpful for the students. This thesis seeks to explore the usefulness of new technologies such as Virtual Reality, MAPLE software and 3D printed model on physics students and determine the convenience of using such technologies in learning physics. A thorough analysis was conducted through a survey which allows students to be exposed to the technologies. Students preferred both Virtual Reality and 3D printed model as educational tools with reasons stated in this thesis. This thesis seeks to confirm the hypothesis of whether existing technologies can be incorporated into the physics curriculum as tools for education and to examine students’ willingness in using these technologies.