Proposal Title
Laurier Undergraduate Physics Online Database
Session Type
Poster
Start Date
6-7-2011 5:30 PM
Keywords
physics, internet tools
Primary Threads
Education Technologies and Innovative Resources
Abstract
Effective science education requires the ongoing development of teaching tools that take advantage of current technology and can adjust to the changing patterns of student learning. The Laurier Undergraduate Physics Online Database (UPOD) is an online handbook of physics content being developed by Laurier students. This is the first physics handbook written by students for students (all material is also checked by a faculty member). The first version of the website is online at http://upod.ca/. The goal is to create a novel online resource for faculty and students at Laurier and elsewhere. In today’s fast-paced world, students face demands on their time from multiple activities. By utilizing the power of the Internet, we can streamline students’ learning of physics. The hierarchical and lateral organization and links between topics in the website creates a ‘roadmap’ connecting key ideas, thus providing a concise, consistent and unifying picture of physics. The UPOD will be a learning tool for over 800 students enrolled in 1st year physics/astronomy courses at WLU every year. An important goal is to help beginning students improve their performance and thus reduce attrition in science programs. The advanced level topics can help physics as well as other science majors. This project also provides an excellent learning experience for students who develop the website. The website has received positive feedback from students and is beginning to be accessed by users from around the world. The next step will be to assess its effectiveness as a learning tool.
Laurier Undergraduate Physics Online Database
Effective science education requires the ongoing development of teaching tools that take advantage of current technology and can adjust to the changing patterns of student learning. The Laurier Undergraduate Physics Online Database (UPOD) is an online handbook of physics content being developed by Laurier students. This is the first physics handbook written by students for students (all material is also checked by a faculty member). The first version of the website is online at http://upod.ca/. The goal is to create a novel online resource for faculty and students at Laurier and elsewhere. In today’s fast-paced world, students face demands on their time from multiple activities. By utilizing the power of the Internet, we can streamline students’ learning of physics. The hierarchical and lateral organization and links between topics in the website creates a ‘roadmap’ connecting key ideas, thus providing a concise, consistent and unifying picture of physics. The UPOD will be a learning tool for over 800 students enrolled in 1st year physics/astronomy courses at WLU every year. An important goal is to help beginning students improve their performance and thus reduce attrition in science programs. The advanced level topics can help physics as well as other science majors. This project also provides an excellent learning experience for students who develop the website. The website has received positive feedback from students and is beginning to be accessed by users from around the world. The next step will be to assess its effectiveness as a learning tool.