Enhancing Introductory Physics Digitally
The Fundamentals of Physics course Phys207 introduces non-physics students to the often unfamiliar world of physics. In a class with 300 students, effectively presenting new material – while maintaining interactivity with learners – is especially challenging. Professor Matthias Liepe addressed these difficulties by enhancing the learning experience through the use of technology. This included in-class elements, such as tablet PCs, and online aspects, such as physics demonstration videos and other digital materials
Initially, the project implemented Tablet-PCs, improved projection, and digital whiteboards to enable flexible integration of digital media during class, and while preserving the interconnectivity, spontaneity and slow pace of hand-written delivered lectures. In the second phase of the project, an online database of physics demonstration videos and other digital materials was developed.
This open database can be used during lectures by instructors, by students for review of concepts demonstrated, and to share video demonstrations with colleagues. The database serves a central host for collections of commonly performed physics demonstrations such as those that involve kinematics, oscillation and forces. Users can review multiple versions of a demonstration to find the one that best suits their learning and teaching needs. Particular video clips of demonstrations clips have become favorites, such as the wooden suspension bridge which undulates wildly when one side is jumped on by a group of people.
In an evaluation of the project outcomes, students reported that “…the benefit of the database’s 24/7 accessibility, particularly when students wish to review concepts either in preparation for an exam or for clarification.” In addition, 67% of the students surveyed reported that “The video clips being accessible online is helpful to my learning”. Undergraduates also find the demonstrations informative, and helpful to learning physics concepts. Students acknowledge that the database also helps to promote work not just by Cornell but also by participating institutions, and that the database serves the larger science community.
Faculty Presentation
To hear Prof. Liepe discuss his project and its impact on teaching, you can view the archived presentation about the project (Feb 23, 2009) on the FIT speaker archive page.