PERC 2008 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Research on Student Use of Simulations |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | The Physics Education Technology (PhET) project develops interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena that emphasize interactivity, animation, and real world connections. We are seeking a better understanding of how students learn from simulations (sims) in order to inform both simulation design and use. We find that the type of guidance provided to the student controls the amount of independent exploration and inquiry in which the students engage. It is common for teachers to create activities that include specific instruction on how to manipulate the sim, but too much instruction seems to limit the benefits of a complex simulated environment. We will report on our recent research in this regard, involving careful study of students' interaction with a few select sims. Results of this study improve our understanding of how students learn complex physical concepts using sims, and have implications for designing effective sim-based in-class activities, homework and labs. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Archie Paulson University of Colorado Department of Physics 390 UCB University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309-0390 Phone: 303-735-0627 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Kathrine Perkins * Wendy Adams * (* contact and affiliation information is the same as the primary author's) |
