Computer‐based instruction in physics

SEP 01, 1981

Students are learning physical principles from well‐programmed computers, which engage them in dialog, allow them to display and manipulate physical laws and then diagnose their educational progress.

DOI: 10.1063/1.2914747

Alfred Bork

Until now, the computer has played only a minor role in the teaching of physics and other subjects. In the next few years we can expect this to change dramatically because of the development and profusion of relatively inexpensive personal computers and because of the growing pressure to streamline the educational system. In the future, computer‐based instruction may make practical the organization of colleges in which almost all funds are used for the development of curriculum material and relatively little is spent per student for delivery.

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References

1. C. Sherwin, Basic Concepts of Physics, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York (1961).
2. R. P. Feynman, R. B. Leighton, M. L. Sands, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, vol. 1, Addison‐Wesley, Reading, Mass (1963–65), chapter 9.
3. A. Bork, A. Luehrmann, J. W. Robson, Introductory Computer Based Mechanics I, CONDUIT, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242
4. A. Bork, D. Merrill, H. Peckham, W. Lang, Introductory Computer Based Mechanics II, CONDUIT, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
5. A. Bork, Learning with Computers, Digital Press, Bedford, Mass. (1981), pages 83–97.
6. CONDUIT at the Computer Center, University of Iowa.
7. S. Franklin, J. Marasco, Journal of College Science Teaching 7, September 1977, page 15.
8. Physics in the Irvine Educational Technology Center, in Computers and Education, An International Journal, 4, D. F. Rogers, P. R. Smith, eds.; Alfred Bork, guest editor, Pergamon, New York (1980).

More about the authors

Alfred Bork, University of California, Irvine.