Briefing Document: Innovative DC Motor Demonstration Kit & Open Source Physics Initiatives in Singapore

1. Overview

This document reviews a webpage from "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" which highlights the "Innovative DC Motor Demonstration Kit Set: A CoRe Approach" that won a Ministry of Education (MOE) Innergy Gold Award in 2017. It also provides context for the award and demonstrates a broader commitment to open educational resources, interactive simulations, and innovative pedagogical approaches in Singaporean education.

2. Key Themes and Ideas

• Innovation in Educational Resources: The core theme is the recognition of innovative projects that benefit stakeholders through their creativity and effective implementation. The DC Motor Demonstration Kit set is an example of this, specifically noted for its “CoRe Approach”.
• Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Source Physics (OSP): The webpage and surrounding content strongly suggest a commitment to freely available educational materials. This is evident in the site title and the numerous interactive simulations listed. The use of open source tools and simulations is a recurring element, such as Easy JavaScript Simulations (EjsS) and HTML5 applets.
• Technology-Enhanced Learning: There's a clear emphasis on the use of interactive simulations and technology to facilitate learning across various subjects, including physics, chemistry, and mathematics. These simulations are built using tools like JavaScript and WebGL, reflecting a modern approach to education.
• Ministry of Education Recognition: The MOE Innergy Award underscores the importance the Singaporean government places on innovation in education and its desire to recognize and promote exemplary projects. "MOE administers the annual Innergy and Outstanding Innovator Awards to recognise project teams and individuals who brought about significant benefits to stakeholders through their innovation efforts."
• Sharing Best Practices: The MOE actively promotes the sharing of successful projects, as seen in the invitation for winners to present at events like iCTLT. "In promoting sharing of best practices, winners may also be invited to showcase or present their projects at platforms such as iCTLT 2018, etc."
• Diverse Simulation and Applets: The website features a wide array of simulation, interactive models, games and virtual labs covering diverse subjects from physics (e.g., projectile motion, electric fields, magnetism, and simple harmonic motion) to mathematics (e.g., fractions, algebra) and even chemistry (e.g., radioactive decay, titrations).
• Team Collaboration: The projects listed are often a collaborative effort, involving educators from different schools and levels, further reflecting a culture of sharing and collective improvement in the Singapore educational landscape. The DC Motor kit was produced by a team of five, "1. YAP_Boon_Chien 2. Charles_Chew 3. ONG_Me_Lan Science Centre 4. Donavan lau_chu_beng 5. Lawrence_Wee"

3. Key Facts

• Award: The "Innovative DC Motor Demonstration Kit Set: A CoRe Approach" won a Gold Innergy Award in 2017 from the Ministry of Education (MOE).
• Evaluation Process: The award selection involved a rigorous process, with 59 submissions initially and only 27 projects shortlisted for the presentation round. "A total of 59 submissions were received in 2017. An evaluation panel comprising MOE HQ middle managers first shortlisted 27 projects for the presentation round."
• Public Service Recognition: Gold Innergy Award winners are eligible for nomination for the Public Service Transformation Awards. "Innergy (HQ) Award Gold Winners may be nominated for Public Service Transformation Awards 2018."
• Digital Resources: Many of the simulations are available as JavaScript HTML5 applets, accessible through browsers. There is also mention of both Android and iOS apps available through a provided link.
• Authors and Contributors: The webpage lists many names of educators and developers involved in creating these resources, including Boon Chien, the lead for the DC Motor project. The variety of names showcases a community-driven initiative
• Licensing: The educational resources are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License, promoting open use and sharing. The use of Ejs libraries require different licensing from University of Murcia, Spain. "Contents are licensed Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License . Separately, for commercial use of EasyJavaScriptSimulations Library, please read https://www.um.es/fem/EjsWiki/Main/EJSLicense and contact fem@um.es directly."
• Range of Resources: The webpage contains links to a large number of interactive simulations, workshops, and other educational material spanning several years.

4. Notable Quotes

• "A well deserved recognition for Boon Chien especially, a 2017 MOE Innergy Innovative DC Motor Demonstration Kit Set: A CoRe Approach." (This highlights the specific award and the project lead.)
• "The results of the 2017 MOE Innergy and Outstanding Innovator Awards are out The Android and iOS App are available here https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsgx/index.php/408email" (This points to other app-based resources stemming from these projects)
• "In promoting sharing of best practices, winners may also be invited to showcase or present their projects at platforms such as iCTLT 2018, etc." (This emphasizes the purpose behind the awards system)

5. Conclusion

The provided webpage provides insight into the Singaporean MOE's commitment to innovative teaching methods. The Innovative DC Motor Demonstration Kit and the broader Open Source Physics initiative demonstrate a dedication to creating effective, accessible, and technology-driven educational experiences. The emphasis on open-source resources, collaboration, and recognition through awards like the Innergy Award are crucial aspects of this initiative. The long list of other projects and simulations illustrates a diverse and comprehensive approach to enhancing teaching and learning across multiple disciplines. The page is also very detailed with information going back to 2011.

A well deserved recognition for Boon Chien especially, a 2017 MOE Innergy Innovative DC Motor Demonstration Kit Set: A CoRe Approach.

MOE Innergy Innovative DC Motor Demonstration Kit Set: A CoRe Approach