1. 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

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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. Locations of in-service courses
Sligo
Dublin
Kilkenny
Limerick
Cork

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. Dublin Institute of Technology May 2004

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

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

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