Multi-Modal Modules for Learning Introductory Astronomy Concepts

该项目正在开发用于天文学入门教学的互动模块。他们专注于大多数大学入门课程中涵盖的主要主题。这些模块用HTML5/Java脚本编程，以便在尽可能广泛的设备上运行，包括大多数移动设备(iPod、智能手机等)。并且有很长的使用期限。因此，本项目也侧重于底层技术。该项目还在开发一个知识库，允许为移动和触摸技术创建有效的学习材料，并作为其他开发人员的跳板。该团队在开发天文课程、交互式计算机模拟和基于网络的评估软件方面经验丰富，在天文教育界有很好的人脉。该项目的智能价值包括设计可在多种不同的计算机、平板电脑和智能手机平台、操作系统、浏览器和触摸功能上工作的模块。在设计带有鼠标、触摸拖动或简单触摸推送功能的模拟时，需要相当大的创造力，这取决于设备，并且在低分辨率时仍然有用。所有这些都是在保留互动互动的最佳实践的同时完成的，允许学生通过计算机模拟进行探索，对概念进行测验，并提供广泛的反馈。该项目正在收集使用数据，使其能够确切地了解这些模块在促进对天文学概念的理解方面的有效性，以及一个与学生如何利用移动技术相关的知识库，这些技术可以为这些设备的教学提供信息。广泛的影响：很明显，在不久的将来，移动设备将成为教育的重要组成部分，它们对当今的学生具有特殊的吸引力。然而，在STEM教育中使用移动设备的工作做得很少。该项目正在为移动设备创建一个公共代码库，该代码库符合既定的网络标准，并为STEM社区的未来开发人员提供了一套指导方针，指导他们如何有效地瞄准移动设备。人们认识到，需要像这样的开创性项目，为刚刚开始的移动革命奠定基础。

This project is developing interactive modules for teaching introductory astronomy. They focus on major topics that are covered in most introductory college courses. The modules are programmed in HTML5/Javascript so as to run on the widest possible spectrum of devices, including most moble devices (iPod, smart phones, etc.) and have a lengthy period of usability. Thus, this project also focuses on the underlying technology. The project is also developing a knowledge base that allows creation of effective learning materials for mobile and touch technologies and serve as a launching pad for other developers. The team is experienced in developing astronomy curriculum, interactive computer simulations, and web-based assessment software, and it is well-connected in the astronomy education community. The Intellectual Merit of the project consists of designing modules that work on the multitude of different computer, tablet, and smart phone platforms, operating systems, browsers, and touch capabilities. Considerable creativity is involved in designing simulations that function with mouse, touch-drag, or simply touch-push depending upon the device and are still useful at low resolution. All of this is being accomplished while retaining the best practices of interactive engagement by allowing students to explore with computer simulations, quizzing them over the concepts, and providing extensive feedback. The project is collecting usage data, allowing it to learn exactly how effective these modules were in promoting an understanding of astronomy concepts and a knowledge base related to how students make use of mobile technology that can inform pedagogy for these devices.Broader Impacts: It is clear that mobile devices are going to be a huge part of education in the very near future and that they hold a special appeal for today's students. However, very little work has been done on making use of mobile devices in STEM education. This project is creating a public library of code for mobile devices that is consistent with established web standards and a set of guidelines for future developers in the STEM community on how to effectively target mobile devices. There is a recognized need for trailblazing projects like this that lay the foundations for the mobile revolution that is just beginning.