Design and Evaluation of OSCAR Physics Learning Objects

Visualizations such as animations and simulations have become valuable educational tools in a variety of instructional settings. In project OSCAR, we are developing open source Learning Objects(LOs) such as interactive animations and simulations for a variety of subjects in basic sciences(like physics, chemistry, biology) and electrical engineering, civil engineering, etc, which can be used by undergraduate as well as post graduate students. Physics LOs in project OSCAR have features such as an interactive learning environment wherein the learners can manipulate variables to discover relationships, multiple representations of physical phenomena, intuitive and user-friendly interface and instantaneous feedback which is provided when the learner attempts the assessments. The subject matter expert and the instructional designer have adopted a student centric approach by taking into account the principles of instructional design, visual design and multimedia design while developing the LOs. The long term goal of this research is to explore the effectiveness of the LOs in terms of conceptual understanding, scientific abilities, attitudes towards science, and the process of learning of the students. As a first step towards this goal, the questions addressed by us in this paper are:

To investigate the exploration procedure adopted by a student while interacting with the LO.

To test if the LOs are being used by the students as intended by the subject matter expert. Data will be collected by structured and unstructured observations of undergraduate physics majors interacting with the LOs. The results of these observations will help us in making appropriate changes to the simulation so that it will result in maximum student learning and understanding.