New teaching methods - Using computer technology in physics, mathematics and computer science

Abstract

In 2001 the University of Agder started a project whose aim was to increase the number of students applying for engineering studies, as well as hopefully improve their skills in mathematics and physics. The project known as parAbel developed e-learning courses for upper level students (from ages 16 – 19 years old) in mathematics and physics. These courses (six in all) could also be used in our own engineering recruitment study programme at our own university. As the project developed, we also programmed advanced simulations and a computer based graphic calculator, all under the name SimReal. SimReal is a tool that is meant to bee a supplement to traditional teaching, using visualization and interactivity to explain difficult topics. Subsequently I have used parAbel and SimReal in both physics and mathematics courses at my university for approximately 5 years. The effects of using computer technology in my teaching so far have been very rewarding for both my students and me This have been shown in previous works. Last year we developed an additional part of SimReal called SimVideo. SimVideo is an interactive learning tool which is integrated within SimReal. It contains videos of lectures, simulations, problem solving and applications. SimVideo is so new that we have not yet developed much content in physics and mathematics, but Per Henrik Hogstad have briefly tried it out in a course given in computer science. This autumn 2009 SimVideo was tested in DAT201 – Algorithms and data structures. The feedback from students on this course was very good. We are now trying out and developing new content for our physics course in the bachelor programme.