Assessing the impact of a computer simulation in conjunction with Tutorials in Introductory Physics on conceptual understanding Documents

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Assessing the impact of a computer simulation in conjunction with Tutorials in Introductory Physics on conceptual understanding 

written by Ryan L. C. Hazelton, Peter S. Shaffer, and Paula R. L. Heron

This paper compares the effect on student understanding from using either real-world circuits or an interactive circuit simulation. Three groups of students who worked through a tutorial on multiple-loop circuits from Tutorials in Introductory Physics, one with real circuits and two with a simulation, were compared in terms of their conceptual understanding after instruction. Students who used the simulation completed the tutorial faster and had more time for discussion with the TAs, and generally scored higher on conceptual questions than did those who used real circuits.

Published February 1, 2014
Last Modified January 30, 2014

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