COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY TO TEACH PHYSICS
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There are many changes occurring daily in our classrooms and in the practice of teaching. Computer technology is one of the factors changing the face of our schools and creating special challenges. "Computer" is the most talked topic in the present society and it is an area which has crossed all barriers and boundaries of age and profession adjusting everyone on the same platform which is "Learning".
Computer technology is an interactive technology which involves students beyond watching listening and answering questions. Students become actively involved in the ownership of learning. stopping and starting and getting feedback are two of the most distinguishing characteristics of interactive technology.
Teachers or students can stop interactive technology such as CD-ROM, in one place and jump ahead to another based upon teacher’s discretion or student’s interest. This allows for expansion or clarification of student goals or questions.
Software programmes on the computer give students immediate feedback on correct answers or the consequences made. It assists teachers in developing literacy, computer programming and problem solving depending on the software and hardware selected. Interaction enhances the
usability and potential because of the shift of the responsibility to the learner through technology.
The following topics are in general found to be difficult for the students.
1) Three dimensionl motion
2) Einstein's theory of relativity
3) Rotational motion
4) Atomic structure and inter atomic forces
5) Molecular forces
6) Blackbody spectrum
7) Simple harmonic motion
8) Differential equation of simple harmonic motion
9) Concept of phase in oscillations and waves
10) Numerical Concepts in oscillation
11) Derivation of plane progressive wave
12) The Concept of beats and the analytical treatment
13) Doppler effect in sound
14) Interference of waves
15) Concept of electric field
16) Dipole system
17) Electrostatic potential
18) Van de graaf generator
19) EIectrolytic Conduction
20) The concept of e. c. e.
21) Lorentz force
22) The concept of 'magnetic field strength
23) The tangent law
24) Fleming’s left hand rule and right hand rule and their uses
25) Elements of earth's magnetic field
26) Atomic theory behind the properties of magnetic materials
27) A.C. generator
28) L.C.R. circuit
29) Nature of electromagnetic waves
30) Wave theory of light
31) Diffraction in light
32) Single slit diffraction experiment
33) Polarization of light
34) Spectrometer experiment to find refractive index
35) The difference between magnification and magnifying power
36) The concept of resolving power of optical instruments
37) J. J. Thomson 's experiment to find e/m of electron
38) The laws of photoelectric effect
39) Alpha particle scattering and Rutherford atom model
40) Hydrogen spectrum
41) Transistor working as an amplifier
42) Transistor working as an oscillator
43) Doppler effect in 1ight
If Computer technology (with muItimedia ) is used the above topics can be made very interesting as well as more informative.
The following multimedia can he widely used;
1. Video disks: Information is transmitted through auditory and visual media. Information on the video disk is accessible on the press of a button. There is a tremendous amount of information available on video disks. They are simple to use.
2. LCD ( Liquid Crystal Display) panel; An LCD panel interfaces a computer and an overhead projector to combine multimedia techniques. This can be visualized by the whole class.
3. CD-ROM; CD-ROMs need to be connected to a computer and are easy to use. A computer disk (CD) is put in the CD player and then played. Students interact with the computer to highlight words or pictures as it reads. Click a word or a picture with a mouse and the computer supplements students' learning with definitions of unfamiliar words. The CDs are powerful motivations for reading and reference. Encyclopedias of 21 volumes can be stored on one CD.
4. Modem: Modem allows student's potential fur accessing telecommunications. Telecommunications require a
telephone line, communication software and usually an online service provider. Networking can also be used to
send messages and seek information. A modem opens the door to the information world like "Internet".
There is no doubt the introduction of computer technology can make tremendous impact in the school curriculum. The students can cultivate more interest in subjects like Physics by the introduction of use of computer technology. So far by and large this subject has been considered as a dry subject and this trend can definitely change by the use of computer technology.
Computer technology can be effectively used to teach the concepts of physics. For example atomic structure, atomic forces, atom models can be explained with custom animation using MS PowerPoint. In case of Rutherford atom model experiment, going for polonium and gold foil is difficult as well as costly for the students. These experiments can be animated and shown to the students. Even students themselves can be taught to conduct such experiments using custom animation in computers. This will definitely enhance their understanding. Nuclear fission reaction can not be shown practically but students can have access to websites like http://www.encarta.msn.com/, http://www.northernlight.com/ & search engines in internet to visualize such reaction in computers. This will definitely create interest on the subject in their minds. Nuclear reactors can not be visited easily due to security reasons but students can see them and their working through websites.
Using website like http://www.sdss.org/ the students can have access to digital pictures of galaxies, their beautiful colours and shapes. From these students themselves can study the properties of galaxies or quasars. Such knowledge will- remain in their memory lifelong. Theory of relativity can not be clearly explained by classroom teaching as this requires wide imagination power. Neither we can conduct experiments in lab to prove this theory. Here comes computer technology handy. Websites are available (like http://www.einstein.tv/) to see such (imaginary) experiments in computers. The three dimensional motion, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, waves and oscillations can be interestingly learned using multimedia as three dimensional figures and animations are available just by a click away.
When teachers make some topical projects and show to the students, the students in turn appreciate the hard work and efforts of the teachers and this helps a good rapport between the teacher and the students. As students tend to pay full concentration in learning through computers under the guidance of the teacher even discipline problem among students is much reduced as they are all busily engaged in the learning process.
Doppler effect, LCR circuit, a.c. generator, Van de graaf generator can be effectively taught through computers which are otherwise difficult through the traditional methods. Even numericals & derivations can be taught by means of programmed learning through computers. In all these contexts the study of effectiveness of use of computer technology becomes not only very important but also very urgent.
All the Best!
posted by kannan at 11:19 am
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