Development of a Computer Based Problem Solving Laboratory

在这项提议的工作中，我们打算将在实验室中使用计算机的技术与我们发现在明尼苏达大学大班中成功的解决问题的教学法结合起来。在适用的情况下，我们打算广泛使用视频数据采集技术。我们的目标是建立一个为期一年、以计算机为基础的介绍性物理实验室，它直接适用于大班，也适用于对强调解决问题方法的介绍性物理感兴趣的小班。这个实验室将以我们现有的实验室手册和设备为基础。我们期望某些实验室问题很容易适应计算机，而另一些则不然。此外，如果没有计算机的技术优势，就不可能出现新的问题。我们打算使用商业上可用的软件环境。在工程和研究中常用的一种是LabVIEW/Labwindows。我们将使LabVIEW适应现有的硬件包，如用于视频分析的NIH图像，以及在CUPLE和实时物理中使用的工具。这项提案将把明尼苏达大学解决问题的专业知识与哈姆林大学的技术经验结合起来。该项目的形成性和总结性评估将使用人种学和数字技术来确定我们目标的成功实现。该项目的研究结果将通过《美国物理杂志》、相关会议和研讨会发布。

In this proposed work, we intend to merge the technology of using computers in the laboratory for introductory physics with the problem solving pedagogy we have found to be successful with large classes at the University of Minnesota. Where applicable, we intend to make extensive use of video data acquisition techniques. The goal is to produce a one year, computer-based introductory physics laboratory that is directly applicable to large classes and also suitable for small classes interested in stressing a problem-solving approach to introductory physics. This laboratory will build upon our current laboratory manuals and apparatus. We expect that certain laboratory problems will be easily adapted to the computer and others will not. In addition, new problems will be added which were not possible without the technological strengths of the computer. We intend to use a commercially available software environment. One which is commonly used in engineering and research is LabVIEW/Labwindows. We will adapt LabVIEW to existing hardware packages, such as NIH image for video analysis, and the tools used in CUPLE and Real-time Physics. This proposal will bring together the problem-solving expertise of the University of Minnesota with the technical experience of Hamline University. The formative and summative evaluation of this project will use ethnographic and numerical techniques to determine successful attainment of our goals. The results of this project will be disseminated through the American Journal of Physics, relevant conferences, and workshops.