Friday, September 4, 2009

Nakamura, Murphy, Juma, Rebello, Zollman, PERC 2009

Online Data Collection and Analysis in Introductory Physics 


Christopher M. Nakamura, Sytil K. Murphy, Nasser M. Juma, N. Sanjay Rebello 

and Dean Zollman 


Abstract. Online implementation of physics learning materials may present a powerful method of data collection for  physics education research, in addition to being useful for supplemental instruction.  This may have implications for  composite instruction and research designs.  We have developed three lessons on Newton’s laws and implemented them on the Internet.  The lessons ask students to make observations and measurements using video clips, perform calculations and answer open-ended questions.  Responses are collected via an online response system.  One hundred ten university students enrolled in an algebra-based physics course and 30 high school physics students worked through some or all of our lessons, and their responses were collected.  We present a qualitative and quantitative analysis of their responses and assess the implications for optimal design of online lesson materials for collecting meaningful data about students’ understanding of basic physics concepts.   


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