Use of computers in physics education

Abstract

"Physics is said to be a difficult subject. Among the reasons for the learner’s difficulties, one has been subject to intense research: the naive conceptual framework in which students insist to explain the world around them. Nevertheless, there have been more questions arising than answers provided to solve these kinds of problems. We point out the role of computational techniques, namely Simulations, Multimedia, Telematics, Virtual Reality, and Computer Based Labs which may deal with those difficulties and increase the learning success. We describe our ongoing experience in the field Anyone interested in this problem should deal with two types of questions: • how students learn Physics and Mathematics; • how to use computers to improve learning. These aspects are of course intimately related, i.e., the best use of modern interactive mediashould be based on our best knowledge on the way students learn. Alfred Bork and Seymourt Papert, a physicist and a mathematician, were pioneers in this type of approach."