Towards an effective use of ICT for Open Learning in the Teaching of Physics in Europe September 25, 2004 Frontiers of Physics Kevin McClean DES

To promote European cooperation among teachers, learners, and researchers on an effective use of ICT in the teaching of Physics

ePhys combines successful implementations of ICT computer based experiments data-acquisition and processing simulations modelling video measurements remote labs web-based modules

DataVideo Position and time data can be collected from digital video clips From the number of frames per second with which the video clip is recorded time information is deduced position information can be measured on the two dimensions of the video image, after calibration possible to 'measure' phenomena which can not be measured in a regular experiment, like the motion of high divers, bungee jumps, soccer kicks, basketball shots, amusement-park rides, plant growth, jump on the Moon, car crashes Position-time data is collected by clicking in successive selected frames on a point of a moving object (e.g. a ball, a hand). The video data can be displayed in a diagram or table and be used for further processing and analysis. Displacement versus time graph for a bicycle slowing down

Physlets A Physlet is a physics applet Series of Physlets developed for ePhys project Enhance understanding of “difficult concepts” in physics

ePhys Activities Developing new learning activities based on ICT to foster higher cognitive skills, like those needed for successful further study and aim at the well-known difficulties of conceptual understanding The chosen topics and their ICT applications are carefully chosen to optimise their ability to convince teachers of the usefulness of ICT in their teaching Evaluating and documenting efficiency gains and added value for teaching and learning in secondary education Disseminating the improved methods and educational resources at regional, national and European level Enabling the introduction of modern physics topics in the curriculum of secondary schools across Europe

Target Groups Teachers at Secondary Schools Pre-service and In-service Teacher Training Institutions National Physical Societies Students who in classes or at home will use more tools to investigate, communicate, and understand Physics and its applications in modern society

Implementation Report on the efficiency of synchronous/asynchronous ODL-based in-service support modules in teacher training Detailed study to identify key factors in the participating countries for a successful implementation of the project (school curricula, teaching needs, teacher experience, particular local infrastructure) Development of training modules and in-service support modules on implementing ICT

The Project Partners Coordinating Institution: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Physics Department(Greece) Partners: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Education Department( Greece) PLATON Educational Institution ( Greece) Administration Office of Technical/Vocational Education B’ of Thessaloniki (Greece) University of Vienna (Austria) Limerick Education Centre (Ireland) University of Amsterdam, AMSTEL Institute, (Netherlands) Sint-Gabriël College (Belgium)

Collaborating Institutions University of Versailles(France) Herbert Vissers College (Nederlands) University of Ghent (Belgiium) Colegiul Militar Liceal (Romania) University of Cyprus Municipal Gymnasium No 3, Novosibirsk, (Russia)

Project Partners Amsterdam Mathematics Science Technology Education Laboratory, University of Amsterdam (AMSTEL) AMSTEL Institute is the research and development institute of the University of Amsterdam, which aims at the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve Science, Technology and Mathematics Education. Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Vienna (UNIVIE) The Institute for Theoretical Physics is part of the University of Vienna has in addition to its 3 main fields of research (particle physics, cosmology, mathematical physics) a vigorous group for physics education research.

Limerick Education Centre (LEC) In-career development opportunities of both a professional and personal nature Support for Special Interest Groups Local support for National In-service Initiatives Support for individuals within educational community Information Access to educational resources Opportunities for members of educational community to enhance their expertise in key curricular areas Links with other education providers both nationally and internationally

Dissemination of ePhys www site to disseminate information CD of project materials Links to colleagues dealing with Physics Education Publications in National and International Journals Presentations at Conferences

ePhys in Ireland Department of Education and Science Education Centre Network National Centre for Technology in Education Second Level Support Service

Locations of in-service courses Sligo Dublin Kilkenny Limerick Cork

Action Research Emphasis on the teaching of programmes in the classroom Engage teachers’ creative and reflective capacities Establish a process of dialogue in which participants reflect on their own practice and share the outcomes with interested colleagues Sharing of good practice Strategies for dissemination of participant learning Accreditation by UL and DCU Teachers choose to teach a topic with the prepared ePhys materials on Day 1 Reflective practise-report back to group on efficiency gains using ICTs and submit a report Group discussion on efficiency gains

Using ICTs to enhance learning in the Physics classroom Explore learning strategies with ICT tools Explore practical ideas and strategies for communicating physics Develop experiencial teaching skills to enhance teaching and learning Explore and share experiences of best practice Support networking between teachers of physics Undertake some action research in teachers own work situations, reflect on practice and document the outcomes

Strengths of the In-service Work well-researched Link with further study New concepts and ideas on approach to physics topics invaluable Variety of resources Different teaching methods and learning skills Meeting fellow professionals to exchange ideas New technologies introduced CDs very useful Motivating especially DataVideo Hands-on approach very useful Very helpful to see how other physics teachers use ICT in their classroom Action research was valuable as it provided incentive to try new approaches

Teacher Recommendations More workshops on resources Methodology on teaching mechanics More Physlets, how to download, evaluation, presentation in class List of useful websites Worksheets on Physlets More time to share ideas Coach training More feedback on ePhys project

Dublin Institute of Technology May 2004

Dissemination of ePhys in Ireland SLSS Modular Courses (2003/2004) Regional Networks Education Centre Networks Newsletters Journals ePhys events

The Physical Sciences Summer 2003 Journal of the Irish Science Teachers Association March 2004

Communication ePhys partners Virtual meetings-Learnlinc BSCW Email Meeting in each partner institution Presentations at conferences