Interactive online optics modules for the college physics course

摘要

A new learning tool for geometrical optics is presented which has been developed for an algebra based introductory college physics course for life science majors. The interactive online learning module contains images, videos of problem solutions, short animated videos, and interactive animations, which allow students to actively explore the physics content beyond the pictures in a textbook. These elements are accompanied by narration and a transcript to guide the students while allowing them to navigate freely between the different parts of the module. The results of student learning, a comparison with a control group, and a survey of student attitudes toward this new instruction method are discussed. © 2012 American Association of Physics Teachers ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author would like to thank the eLearning team at Cal Poly Pomona for their contributions to the production of the online optics modules, especially Erick Zelaya for the design of most of the interactive and linear animations. Funding from the Teacher Quality Enhancement grant, and from the College Cost Reduction and Access Act grant at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is gratefully acknowledged.