Assessment of virtual physics lab (VPL) in summer course for pre-college Preparation

Abstract

An innovative virtual physics lab (VPL) which was reported in a previous publication is applied and assessed in the current work. The VPL uses high end multi-media and realistic virtual reality environment to provide an integrated platform for highly effective learning of Physics. Features include fully automated content delivery using text-to-speech technology, highly visual course presentation using animated 2D and 3D illustrations of lectures, interactive 3D experiments, and virtual physics instructor for teaching, training and assistance. Also, the VPL provides game like navigation which is very appealing to the new generation of students, so that they can learn basic physics concepts in more engaging and "fun" way. In this work, the tool is used to support the Upward Bound program at IUPUI. Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO educational program within the United States, which serves high school students from low-income families and from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. One of the summer courses offered to those students is Physics. Traditionally, the course was offered without a lab and students had difficulty understanding the concepts. To address this issue, the VPL was used and integrated into the course in a unique and innovative way. In fact, lecture concepts were linked to virtual lab experiment, and each live lecture was followed by a virtual lab session. Students were given pre- And post- Test as part of the virtual lab session. Data is collected and analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the VPL. In general, a consistent improvement due to the training and practice in the virtual lab is observed. The VPL presents itself as a viable tool for high school students to better prepare for college physics in cost-effective, easily accessible, and effective way. © American Society of Engeneering Education, 2013.