Physics Resources Packets as a Pathway to Tomorrow's Education

罗斯-胡尔曼理工学院(RHIT)及其在NSF赞助的“基金会联盟”(FC)中的其他机构处于工程和科学教育创新的前沿。例如，RHIT利用符号代数和其他功能强大的软件开发了一套开创性的“综合”大学一年级课程。这门课程现在经常通过合作小组活动来进行主动学习。然而，在将“综合”课程等项目的创新成果应用到大学二年级及以后的课程方面，几乎没有采取什么行动。技术进步越来越快(1995年秋季，所有进入RHIT的新生都需要笔记本电脑)，这使得教育必须跟上即将到来的变化。RHIT/FC物理教员将为基础和高级物理课程开发“资源包”，这将刺激一年级的创新。高级物理软件(CUPS)模拟和文本联盟将于1995年提供；它们将是信息包的主要和及时的增强资源。物理教师将在指尖掌握新方法和新技术的练习和范例。大二学生会发现，他们的物理课程经常会有作业，这些作业需要延续他们在大一时学到的技能。仅在RHIT，这些信息包每年就会影响600多名学生。评估和修订将在整个项目中持续进行。积极的传播努力将包括使用会议、专业期刊、研讨会和电子邮件。

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) and its fellow institutions in the NSF sponsored 'Foundation Coalition' (FC) are at the forefront of innovations in engineering and science education. RHIT has, for example, developed a pioneering 'integrated' freshman year curriculum utilizing symbolic algebra and other powerful software. This curriculum now regularly employs active learning through cooperative group work. Little has been done, however, to carry innovations from programs like the 'integrated' curriculum into the sophomore and succeeding years. Technology is advancing ever more rapidly (in the fall of 1995 laptop computers will be required of all entering RHIT freshman), making it imperative that education be abreast of coming changes. RHIT/FC physics faculty members will develop 'resource packets' for basic and advanced physics courses which will galvanize the uptake of freshman year innovations. Consortium for Upper-Level Physics Software (CUPS) simulations and text will be available in 1995; they will be a major and timely enhancement resource for the packets. Physics instructors will have exercises and examples in the new methodologies and technologies at their fingertips. Sophomores will find their physics courses regularly featuring assignments which require a continuation of the skills they learned as freshmen. The packets will impact over 600 students per year at RHIT alone. Assessment and revision will occur continuously throughout the project. Vigorous dissemination efforts will include use of conferences, professional journals, workshops, and electronic mail.