https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/education.cfm
This briefing document summarizes the key information regarding the Open Source Physics Team being awarded the prestigious 2020 Excellence in Physics Education Award by the American Physical Society (APS). The award recognizes the team's sustained commitment to enhancing physics education through the development and dissemination of open-source computational tools and resources. Notably, Mr. Loo Kang Lawrence Wee from the Ministry of Education, Singapore, is a key member of this 18-person international team and his contributions, particularly through the Open Source Physics at Singapore (OSP@SG) initiative, are highlighted.
Main Themes and Important Ideas:
- Recognition of Sustained Excellence: The core theme is the APS acknowledging the long-term dedication and significant impact of the Open Source Physics Team on physics education. The award citation explicitly states it is " For sustained commitment to computational physics education through creating and disseminating programming environments, books, software, simulations, and other tools to support computational thinking, and for research establishing the value of these tools and best practices for their use. " This emphasizes the breadth and depth of their contributions.
- Focus on Computational Physics Education: The award specifically highlights the team's work in "computational physics education." This underscores the growing importance of computational thinking and the use of technology in learning physics concepts. The team's efforts in creating "programming environments, books, software, simulations, and other tools" directly address this need.
- Open Source and Dissemination: A crucial aspect of the team's work is their commitment to open educational resources (OER) and the free dissemination of their tools. Mr. Wee's belief in OER is evident in his statement: "He believes in developing Open Educational Resources (OER) where anyone around the world with the ability and the motivation could get the skills that they need to make a better life for themselves, their families and their communities." This philosophy ensures that their resources are accessible to a wide audience of educators and students globally.
- Development of Specific Tools: The Facebook post by Mr. Wee acknowledges the foundational work of others, highlighting specific tools used by the team: "Thanks to professor Francisco Esquembre and Félix J. García Clemente for creating the Easy JavaScript simulation tool and Doug Brown for Tracker video modeling that I use." These tools, along with others developed and adapted by the team, form the core of their contribution.
- Mr. Loo Kang Lawrence Wee's Significant Role: Mr. Wee's involvement is central to the Singaporean context and his individual achievements are noteworthy. His biographical sketch details his extensive work in developing and adapting OER, specifically mentioning his co-development of "Open Source Physics simulations and Tracker video analysis and modelling resources and instructional strategies." His numerous awards, including the 'UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education' in 2015 for OSP@SG, demonstrate his individual impact in this field.
- OSP@SG Initiative: The Open Source Physics at Singapore (OSP@SG) Digital Library (https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/) and blog (http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/) serve as key platforms for disseminating the team's work, particularly Mr. Wee's contributions. He has "converted 400+ Easy Java Simulation to Easy JavaScript Simulation all available on the Open Source Physics at Singapore Digital Library" and created "100+ Tracker video analysis and modeling files." He also established infrastructure to make these resources easily accessible.
- Collaborative Nature of the Award: The award recognizes the "Open Source Physics Team," consisting of 18 members with diverse backgrounds in physics, mathematics, computer science, and education. This collaborative effort underscores the complexity and shared vision behind their sustained contributions.
- Award Details:
- The award includes a \(5,000 monetary prize and a certificate. The distribution of the monetary award among the 18 team members will be decided by Professor Wolfgang Christian, the leader.
- The award ceremony will take place at the APS April Meeting 2020 in Washington, DC, USA.
- The team will also receive an allowance for travel expenses to the meeting.
- Nomination Process: The award was granted through a nomination process. Professor Andrew Gavrin nominated the Open Source Physics Team for this recognition. The award criteria emphasize a "sustained commitment to excellence in physics education" evidenced by various contributions such as developing influential instructional materials, teacher professional development, long-lasting service, national network development, or model outreach programs.
Quotes from Original Sources:
- (APS Letter): "For sustained commitment to computational physics education through creating and disseminating programming environments, books, software, simulations, and other tools to support computational thinking, and for research establishing the value of these tools and best practices for their use."
- (Mr. Wee's Facebook Post): "Open Source Physics team for the APS Excellence in Physics Education Award."
- (Mr. Wee's Biographical Sketch): "He believes in developing Open Educational Resources (OER) where anyone around the world with the ability and the motivation could get the skills that they need to make a better life for themselves, their families and their communities."
- (Summary of Mr. Wee's Contributions): "Since, 2007, Loo Kang has been remixing and has since converted 400+ Easy Java Simulation to Easy JavaScript Simulation all available on the Open Source Physics at Singapore Digital Library https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/."
- (APS Award Description): "To recognize and honor a team or group of individuals (such as a collaboration) or, exceptionally, a single individual, who have exhibited a sustained commitment to excellence in physics education."
Further Considerations:
- The international composition of the team highlights the global impact of open-source initiatives in education.
- Mr. Wee's leadership and contributions within the Singaporean context are a significant part of the team's success.
- The specific tools mentioned (Easy JavaScript Simulation and Tracker) are valuable resources for educators looking to incorporate computational modeling and video analysis into their physics teaching.
- The APS award provides significant recognition and can potentially lead to increased awareness and adoption of the Open Source Physics resources.
Conclusion:
The 2020 Excellence in Physics Education Award to the Open Source Physics Team is a significant recognition of their sustained and impactful contributions to the field. Mr. Loo Kang Lawrence Wee's dedication to developing and disseminating open educational resources through OSP@SG has played a crucial role in this achievement. This award underscores the value of collaborative, open-source approaches in advancing physics education globally and provides a platform to further promote the use of computational tools and resources in teaching and learning physics.
Study Guide: APS Excellence in Physics Education Award for Open Source Physics Team
Quiz
- What was the specific reason cited by the American Physical Society (APS) for awarding the 2020 Excellence in Physics Education Award to the Open Source Physics Team?
- This award recognizes a sustained commitment to excellence. Based on the provided text, briefly describe two examples of how the Open Source Physics Team demonstrated this commitment.
- Who nominated the Open Source Physics Team for this prestigious award? What is their affiliation?
- Where and when was the APS April Meeting 2020, at which the award ceremony was likely to take place, scheduled to be held?
- Besides the certificate, what tangible item did the Open Source Physics Team receive as part of the Excellence in Physics Education Award? What was the potential amount each of the 18 team members could receive?
- According to the provided information, what are two of the accomplishments that might evidence a "commitment to excellence in physics education" as defined by the APS award guidelines?
- Loo Kang Lawrence Wee is mentioned prominently in the context of this award. What is his primary affiliation, and what has been his role in the Open Source Physics project, specifically in relation to simulations?
- Name two specific software tools or resources mentioned in the text that Loo Kang Lawrence Wee has significantly contributed to or utilized in his work with Open Source Physics.
- The biographical sketch of Loo Kang Lawrence Wee mentions several other awards and grants he has received. Name two of these previous recognitions.
- What is the licensing under which the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website content is shared? What does this generally allow for users?
Quiz Answer Key
- The APS awarded the Open Source Physics Team "For sustained commitment to computational physics education through creating and disseminating programming environments, books, software, simulations, and other tools to support computational thinking, and for research establishing the value of these tools and best practices for their use."
- The team demonstrated sustained commitment by creating and disseminating a wide range of computational physics tools (programming environments, software, simulations) and by conducting research to establish the value and best practices for using these tools in education.
- Andrew Gavrin, Chair & Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, nominated the Open Source Physics Team for the award.
- The APS April Meeting 2020 was scheduled to be held in Washington, DC, at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park from April 18-21, 2020.
- The Open Source Physics Team received a \)5,000 monetary award in addition to the certificate. The potential amount each of the 18 members could receive ranged from zero to approximately \(277, depending on the leader's decision.
- Two examples of accomplishments that evidence a commitment to excellence in physics education include the development of instructional materials or curriculum with a major ongoing influence and sustained excellence in the preparation of secondary school science teachers.
- Loo Kang Lawrence Wee is a Lead Specialist at the Ministry of Education, Educational Technology Division, Singapore. His role in Open Source Physics involves remixing and converting Easy Java Simulations to Easy JavaScript Simulations and creating Tracker video analysis and modeling files.
- Two specific software tools mentioned are Easy JavaScript Simulation (EJS) and Tracker video modeling.
- Two previous recognitions for Loo Kang Lawrence Wee include the 'UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education' in 2015 and the 'MOE Outstanding Innovator Award' in 2013.
- The content on the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License, which generally allows users to access, adapt, and share the resources freely, provided they give appropriate credit and share their adaptations under the same license.
Essay Format Questions
- Discuss the significance of the American Physical Society's Excellence in Physics Education Award for the Open Source Physics Team and the broader field of physics education. Consider the criteria for the award and how the team's contributions align with these criteria.
- Analyze the role of open educational resources (OER) and open-source software in contemporary physics education, drawing upon the example of the Open Source Physics Team's work and the recognition they received.
- Evaluate the contributions of Loo Kang Lawrence Wee to the Open Source Physics project and to physics education in Singapore and beyond. Consider his work with simulations, video analysis, and his philosophy regarding OER.
- Based on the provided information, describe the collaborative nature of the Open Source Physics Team. Discuss the benefits and potential challenges of such collaborations in achieving excellence in educational resource development.
- Explore the potential impact of computational thinking and the use of tools like simulations and video analysis on student learning and engagement in physics. Use the Open Source Physics Team's work as a case study to support your arguments.
Glossary of Key Terms
- Open Educational Resources (OER): Teaching, learning, and research materials in any medium – digital or otherwise – that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation, and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions.
- Open Source Physics (OSP): A project and a community focused on creating and disseminating free and open-source computational tools and resources for physics education.
- Computational Physics Education: An approach to teaching and learning physics that integrates computational tools, techniques, and thinking to enhance understanding and problem-solving.
- Easy JavaScript Simulation (EJS): A free authoring and modeling tool that allows educators and students to create interactive simulations, particularly for science and mathematics. It is a conversion of the earlier Easy Java Simulation tool to JavaScript, making it more widely accessible through web browsers.
- Tracker: A free video analysis and modeling tool that allows users to analyze motion in videos and create physics models based on real-world data.
- Simulation: A computer-based model of a system or process, often interactive, used to explore its behavior and properties. In physics education, simulations allow students to visualize abstract concepts and experiment in a virtual environment.
- Computational Thinking: A problem-solving process that includes formulating problems in a way that enables the use of a computer and other digital tools to help solve them. It involves skills like abstraction, pattern recognition, algorithm design, and decomposition.
- American Physical Society (APS): A non-profit membership organization working to advance the knowledge of physics through its research journals, scientific meetings, and education, outreach, advocacy, and international activities.
- Excellence in Physics Education Award: An annual award given by the American Physical Society to recognize a sustained commitment to excellence in physics education by an individual or team.
- Remixing: In the context of OER and open-source software, remixing refers to the act of modifying and adapting existing resources to create new versions or incorporate them into different contexts.
Venue:
https://www.aps.org/meetings/april/index.cfm APS April Meeting 2020, April 18-21 • Washington, DC, Washington Marriott Wardman Park
Letter
September 27, 2019
Loo Kang Lawrence Wee
Ministry of Education
Educational Technology Division
1 North Buona Vista Drive
Singapore 138675
Dear Dr. Wee,
On behalf of the American Physical Society, it is my pleasure to inform you, and the Open Source Physics Team have been awarded the 2020 Excellence in Physics Education Award. The award recognizes a team or group of individuals (such as a collaboration) or, exceptionally, a single individual, who have exhibited a sustained commitment to excellence in physics education. The citation that will appear on your award certificate is: "For sustained commitment to computational physics education through creating and disseminating programming environments, books, software, simulations, and other tools to support computational thinking, and for research establishing the value of these tools and best practices for their use."
You will receive more information from Cortney Bougher, Director of Membership, about the award and recognition ceremony at an upcoming APS meeting. Congratulations on this well-deserved award.
Sincerely,
David Gross, APS President
Cc: Andrew Gavrin, Nominator
Paula Heron, Chair, Excellence in Physics Education Award Selection Committee
Laurie McNeil, Chair, Forum on Education
Charles Henderson, Secretary/Treasurer, Forum on Education
Facebook post
Great news! I have been awarded this prestigious #award in USA as one of the 18 members team of #opensourcephysics for our contribution to #physics #education.
Wow! What a way to start the weekend.
Thanks to professor Francisco Esquembre and Félix J. García Clemente for creating the Easy JavaScript simulation tool and Doug Brown for Tracker video modeling that I use.
I also thank all the other professors in tag for I have remix their source codes for the Singapore curriculum.
Open Source Physics team for the APS Excellence in Physics Education Award.
Could you please send me the following?
CV biographical sketch for the nomination
|
Ministry of Education, Singapore Educational Technology Division Singapore |
Phone: +6568976526 Mobile: +6592475573 Website: http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/ |
Loo Kang Lawrence Wee
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Loo_Kang_Wee
Lawrence graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from the University of Singapore and obtained his Masters in Instructional Design and Technology from the National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He believes in developing Open Educational Resources (OER) where anyone around the world with the ability and the motivation could get the skills that they need to make a better life for themselves, their families and their communities.
Lawrence’s interest lies in OER because the public, any teachers and students will be able to access and adapt these resources freely with little restrictions, such as licensing OER's materials under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0). Working with communities of local teachers and professors from Spain, USA and Taiwan, he co-develop Open Source Physics simulations and Tracker video analysis and modelling resources and instructional strategies to motivate and engage students.
Lawrence has been awarded Ministry of Education 'MOE Outstanding Innovator Award' in 2013, the ‘Singapore Public Service PS21 Distinguished Star Service Award PSSSA’ in 2014, the ‘UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education, Pedagogical Innovation in the Use of ICT in Teaching and Learning’ in 2015 and 'National Day Awards Commendation Medal' in 2018.
He also led and support Professional Learning Community of teachers and MOEHQ officers to develop innovative technology solutions and curriculum that led them to clinch the MOE Innergy (Gold) Awards in 2012( ETD Gravity-Physics by Inquiry) , 2016 (Open Source Physics at Singapore) and 2017 (Innovative DC Motor Demonstration Kit Set).
Education
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Jan 2005 – Jun 2007 |
National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore Master of Arts, Instructional Design and Educational Technology Singapore, Singapore |
|
Jun 1999 – Jun 2000 |
National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore Post Grad Diploma (Teaching) Merit, Mathematics, Physics Singapore, Singapore |
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Apr 1990 – Apr 1994 |
National University of Singapore Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Singapore, Singapore |
Experience
|
|
|
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Jan 2014 – present |
Lead Specialist Ministry of Education, Educational Technology , Singapore |
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Jan 2011 – present |
Senior Specialist Ministry of Education, Educational Technology Singapore, Singapore |
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Jul 2007 – Dec 2010 |
Education Technology Officer Ministry of Education, Educational technology Singapore, Singapore |
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Jul 2000 – Jun 2007 |
Education Officer Ministry of Education, Yishun Junior College Singapore, Singapore |
Statistics
|
RG Score |
6.04 |
|
Publications |
53 |
|
Reads |
11,721 |
|
Citations |
141 |
Awards & Grants
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Nov 2018 |
Award: National Day Award: Commendation Medal |
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Jan 2018 |
Grant: AEP 10/17 LW Virtual Lab Learning Analytics-Moodle extension |
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Jan 2018 |
Grant: AEP 14/17 LTK Promoting joy of learning by turning phone into 3 scientific equipment |
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Jan 2017 |
Award: MOE Innergy Gold Open Source Physics at Singapore |
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Jan 2017 |
Grant: SSTRF_2017_ETD_3 Explore-Useful Learning Math Apps |
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Oct 2016 |
Award: Best paper 6th International Conference on Learning, Education and Pedagogy (LEAP) Hong Kong |
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Jan 2016 |
Award: UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education |
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Jan 2016 |
Grant: AEP 03/16 LW Apps as Virtual Lab |
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Nov 2015 |
Award: Academy Awards for Professional Development 2015 Associate Award |
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Jul 2015 |
Grant: OER 10/15 GWF Understanding Teacher Learning Community as Support for Implementation of Open Source Physics for Conceptual Instruction |
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Jan 2015 |
Grant: NRF2015-EDU001-EL021 Modelling-Inquiry Enabled Interactive Textbook |
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May 2014 |
Award: Distinguished Star Service Excellence PS21 2014 |
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Apr 2014 |
Award: MOE Innergy Commendation Primary school Interactive Resources |
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Mar 2013 |
Award: MOE Outstanding Innovator Award 2013 |
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Jan 2013 |
Grant: NRF2013-EDU001-EL017 Becoming Scientists through Video Analysis |
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Jun 2012 |
Award: Academy Awards for Professional Development 2012 Associate Award |
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Jun 2012 |
Award: Public Service PS21 Excel Awards Best Ideator 2012 |
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Mar 2012 |
Award: Innergy Award Winner 2012 (Gravity-Physics by Inquiry) |
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Mar 2012 |
Award: Innergy Award Winner 2012 (Bringing Innovative Ideas to Practice Through Propel-T Projects) Gold Award |
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Jan 2012 |
Grant: SSTRF-ETD_2012_01 Gravity Physics by Inquiry |
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Jan 2012 |
Award: MOE excellence service award 2012 |
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Sep 2011 |
Award: Public Service Excellence in Service Award (EXSA) Star 2011 |
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Jun 2011 |
Award: Appreciation Award by Academy of Singapore Teachers 2011 |
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Mar 2011 |
Award: Innergy Award Winner School Commendation 2011 (Learning Physics through video analysis RVHS) |
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Jan 2011 |
Grant: NRF2011-EDU001-EL001 Java Simulation Design for Teaching and Learning |
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Sep 2010 |
Award: Public Service Excellence in Service Award (EXSA) Gold 2010 |
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Sep 2009 |
Award: Public Service Excellence in Service Award (EXSA) Silver 2009 |
Skills & Activities
Skills
Educational Technology, Tracker, Open Source Physics, Easy Java Simulation, Online Learning, Technology Enhanced Learning, Virtual Environments, Curriculum Development, Physics Education, Pedagogics, Teaching, Curriculum, Instructional Design, Science Education, Learning, Teaching and Learning, Pedagogy and Education
Languages
Chinese, English
Scientific Memberships
American Association Physics Teacher
Interests
open educational resources
Publication Highlights
Loo Kang Wee:One-dimensional collision carts computer model and its design ideas for productive experiential learning. Physics Education 04/2012; 47(3)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/47/3/301
Loo Kang Wee, Charles Chew, Giam Hwee Goh, Samuel Tan, Tat Leong Lee:Using Tracker as a Pedagogical Tool for Understanding Projectile Motion. Physics Education 06/2012; 47(4)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/47/4/448
Loo Kang Wee, Hwee Tiang Ning:Vernier caliper and micrometer computer models using Easy Java Simulation and its pedagogical design feature-ideas to augment learning with real instruments. Physics Education 08/2014; 49(5)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/49/5/493
Loo Kang Wee, Tat Leong Lee, Charles Chew, Darren Wong, Samuel Tan:Understanding resonance graphs using Easy Java Simulations (EJS) and why we use EJS. Physics Education 01/2015; 50(2)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/50/2/189
Loo Kang Wee, Kim Kia Tan, Tze Kwang Leong, Ching Tan:Using Tracker as a Pedagogical Tool for Understanding Toss Up-Free Fall Motion. Physics Education 01/2015;
Journal Publications
- Loo Kang Lawrence Wee, Victor Lim, Jessica Teo, Shannalyn, Shannalyn Ng:Massive Open and Online Courses and Open Education Resources in Singapore.
- Mustafa Şahin Bülbül, Loo Kang Wee:Using the knowledge of penumbra with a trick simulation.
- Lyna Kwan, Loo Kang Wee: A Case Study of Open Source Physics (OSP) Learning Community (LC).
- Loo Kang Wee:What National Examinations Reforms should be made and how may technology be leveraged?.
- Loo Kang Wee, Kim Kia Tan, Tze Kwang Leong, Ching Tan:Using Tracker to understand 'toss up' and free fall motion: A case study. Physics Education 07/2015; 50(4)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/50/4/436
- Loo Kang Wee, Tze Kwang Leong:Video Analysis and Modeling Performance Task to Promote Becoming Like Scientists in Classrooms. American Journal of Educational Research 02/2015; 3(2)., DOI:10.12691/education-3-2-14
- Kah Hean Chua, Ming Yeo Oh, Loo Kang Wee, Ching Tan:Multimedia-Video for Learning.
- Dennis Toh, Ravintharan, Matthew Lim, Loo Kang Wee, Matthew Ong:Robotics for Learning.
- Loo Kang Wee, Kim Kia Tan, Tze Kwang Leong, Ching Tan:Using Tracker as a Pedagogical Tool for Understanding Toss Up-Free Fall Motion. Physics Education 01/2015;
- Loo Kang Wee, Tat Leong Lee, Charles Chew, Darren Wong, Samuel Tan:Understanding resonance graphs using Easy Java Simulations (EJS) and why we use EJS. Physics Education 01/2015; 50(2)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/50/2/189
- Charles Chew, Loo Kang Wee:Use of Blended Approach in the Learning of Electromagnetic Induction.
- Loo Kang Wee, Ai Phing Lim, Sze Yee Lye:NRF2011-EDU001-EL001 EduLab Project Scaling-up Reflections on Using Open Source Physics.
- Sze Yee Lye, Loo Kang Wee, Yao Chie Kwek, Suriati Abas, Lee Yong Tay:Design, Customization and Implementation of Energy Simulation with 5E Model in Elementary Classroom. Educational Technology & Society 08/2014; 17(3).
- Loo Kang Wee:Open Educational Resources from Performance Task using Video Analysis and Modeling - Tracker and K12 science education framework.
- Loo Kang Wee, Hwee Tiang Ning:Vernier caliper and micrometer computer models using Easy Java Simulation and its pedagogical design feature-ideas to augment learning with real instruments. Physics Education 08/2014; 49(5)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/49/5/493
- Loo Kang Wee, Giam Hwee Goh, Ee-Peow Lim:Easy Java Simulation, an innovative tool for teacher as designers of gravity-physics computer models.
- Loo Kang Wee:Open Source Physics.
- Khoon Song Aloysius Goh, Loo Kang Wee, Kim Wah Yip, Ping Yong Jeffrey Toh, Sze Yee Lye:Addressing learning difficulties in Newtons 1st and 3rd Laws through problem based inquiry using Easy Java Simulation.
- Loo Kang Wee, Giam Hwee Goh, Charles Chew:Enabling Gravity Physics by Inquiry using Easy Java Simulation.
- Loo Kang Wee, Giam Hwee Goh:Geostationary Earth Orbit Satellite Model using Easy Java Simulation. Physics Education 12/2012; 48(1)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/48/1/72
- Sze Yee Lye, Loo Kang Wee, Y.C. Ong:Open Source Energy Simulation for Elementary School.
- Loo Kang Wee:Physics Educators as Designers of Simulation using Easy Java Simulation (Ejs) Part 2*.
- Loo Kang Wee:Physics Educators as Designers of Simulation using Easy Java Simulation (Ejs).
- Loo Kang Wee, Sze Yee Lye:Designing Open Source Computer Models for Physics by Inquiry using Easy Java Simulation.
- Loo Kang Lawrence Wee, Ai Phing Lim, Khoon Song Aloysius Goh, Sze Yee LyeYE, Tat Leong Lee, Weiming Xu, Giam Hwee Jimmy Goh, Chee Wah Ong, Soo Kok Ng, Ee-Peow Lim, Chew Ling Lim, Wee Leng Joshua Yeo, Matthew Ong, Kenneth Y. T. LimI:Computer Models Design for Teaching and Learning using Easy Java Simulation.
- Loo Kang Wee, Tat Leong Lee:Video Analysis and Modeling Tool for Physics Education: A workshop for Redesigning Pedagogy.
- Loo Kang Wee, Wai Keong Mak:Leveraging on Easy Java Simulation tool and open source computer simulation library to create interactive digital media for mass customizationof high school physics curriculum.
- Darren Wong, Peng Poo Sng, Eng Hock Ng, Loo Kang Wee:Learning with multiple representations: An example of a revision lesson in mechanics. Physics Education 07/2012; 46(2)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/46/2/005
- Loo Kang Wee, Charles Chew, Giam Hwee Goh, Samuel Tan, Tat Leong Lee:Using Tracker as a Pedagogical Tool for Understanding Projectile Motion. Physics Education 06/2012; 47(4)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/47/4/448
- Loo Kang Wee:One-dimensional collision carts computer model and its design ideas for productive experiential learning. Physics Education 04/2012; 47(3)., DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/47/3/301
Conference Proceedings
- Francisco Esquembre, Félix J García-Clemente, Loo Kang Wee:Creating sensors-aware physics simulation apps using EjsS. GIREP-MPTL conference 2018, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; 07/2018
- Félix J García Clemente, Francisco Esquembre, Loo Kang Wee:Deployment of physics simulation apps using Easy JavaScript Simulations. IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON 2017), Athens, Greece; 04/2017, DOI:10.1109/EDUCON.2017.7942985
- Helen Teague, Charlie Pruett, Loo Kang WEE:Social Justice Through Simulation: Blended Learning for Intergenerational Studies. Global Learn 2016 Limerick, Ireland, Limerick, Ireland; 04/2016
- Helen Teague, Charlie Pruett, Loo Kang Wee:Social Justice Through Simulation: Blended Learning for Intergenerational Studies. Global Learn 2016, Limerick, Ireland; 04/2016
- Loo Kang Wee:Creating Electronic Books-Chapters for Computers and Tablets Using Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations, EjsS Modeling Tool. MPTL 20 - 20th International Conference on Multimedia in Physics and Learning, Munich Germany; 12/2015
- Loo Kang Wee, Tze Kwang Leong:Performance Task using Video Analysis and Modelling to promote K12 eight practices of science. Groupe International de Recherche sur l'Enseignement de la Physique; 01/2015
- Xu W, Wee L L K, Lee T L, Lim A P, Goh J G H, Ong C W, Ng S K, Goh A K S, Lim E-P, Lim C L, Yeo J W L, Kenneth Y T Lim, Matthew Ong, Lye S Y:Computer models design for teaching and learning using Easy Java Simulation. World Conference on Physics Education; 01/2012
A one paragraph biographical sketch (the sort of thing one would use to introduce you at a talk)
Loo Kang Lawrence WEE is a Lead specialist at the Ministry of Education (MOE), Education Technology Division (ETD), Singapore. His research focuses on designing HTML5 JavaScript computer models, also known as simulations and video analysis and modelling for physics education and publishes in Physics Education journal. His Open Source Physics at Singapore (OSP@SG) Digital Library and blog serves as a gateway to teachers and students to use and remix his simulations with the aim of benefiting all. His Open Source Physics at Singapore contributions has also been awarded the ‘UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education, Pedagogical Innovation in the Use of ICT in Teaching and Learning’ in 2015.
A few (2-3 ?) sentences summarizing your contributions to the OSP project
Since, 2007, Loo Kang has been remixing and has since converted 400+ Easy Java Simulation to Easy JavaScript Simulation all available on the Open Source Physics at Singapore Digital Library https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/. Loo Kang has also created 100+ Tracker video analysis and modeling files while working with Singapore teachers and students on their own performance tasks. Loo Kang also created a similar file structure and website to PhET and also made https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss to host ejss and trz files and made them directly accessible on both Easy JavaScript Simulation Modeling Toolkit and Tracker as shared libraries.
Reference
https://weelookang.blogspot.com/2019/09/2020-excellence-in-physics-education.html
https://weelookang.blogspot.com/2019/05/open-source-physics-team-for-aps.html
May I have some more details please, for me to check with colleagues on possible considerations to take note?
The award ceremony will be held in the US?
Yes. APS April Meeting 2020, April 18-21 • Washington, DC, Washington Marriott Wardman Park .
URL https://www.aps.org/meetings/april/index.cfm
Would there be any monetary award as part of this APS award?
The award, presented annually, consists of a \)5,000 monetary award, a certificate citing the achievements of the group. But the leader Professor Wolfgang will decide the division of the money so it could be zero or 5,000/18 members = \(USD277 each member.
is this an individual or team award?
18 members Team called Open Source Physics.
They are a mixed of Physics, Math, Computer Science Professors and educators.
- Christian, Wolfgang <wochristian@davidson.edu>
- Lyle Barbato <lbarbato@aapt.org>,
- "Belloni, Mario" <mabelloni@davidson.edu>,
- "dobrown@cabrillo.edu" <dobrown@cabrillo.edu>,
- "tcolbert@augusta.edu" <tcolbert@augusta.edu>,
- Anne Cox <coxaj@eckerd.edu>,
- Melissa Dancy <melissa.dancy@gmail.com>,
- Francisco Esquembre <fem@um.es>,
- "Forinash III, Kyle" <kforinas@iu.edu>,
- MICHAEL R GALLIS <MRG3@psu.edu>,
- Harvey Gould <harvey.gould@gmail.com>,
- Bill Junkin <junkinwf@eckerd.edu>,
- Bruce Mason <bmason@ou.edu>,
- Todd Timberlake <ttimberlake@berry.edu>,
- Jan Tobochnik <jant@kzoo.edu>,
- "Lawrence WEE (MOE)" <Lawrence_WEE@moe.gov.sg>,
- Aaron Titus <hpuphysics@gmail.com>,
- Felix Clemente <fgarcia@um.es>
How did this award come about? For eg. was it by application or nominated, etc. It would be good if we can have some background info to the award
By nomination. The nominee is
Andrew D. Gavrin
Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Physics, LD154
402 N. Blackford St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3217
317-274-6909
agavrin@iupui.edu
Background information is from URL https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/education.cfm
Excellence in Physics Education Award
To recognize and honor a team or group of individuals (such as a collaboration) or, exceptionally, a single individual, who have exhibited a sustained commitment to excellence in physics education. The award, presented annually, consists of a \)5,000 monetary award, a certificate citing the achievements of the group or individual, and an allowance for travel expenses to the APS April Meeting where the award is presented.
Establishment & Support
This award was established in 2006 and endowed with support from the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, Vernier Software, WebAssign, Physics Academic Software, PASCO Scientific, General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation and numerous individual contributions.
Rules & Eligibility
A commitment to excellence in physics education may be evidenced by, but is not restricted to, such accomplishments as:
- The development of instructional materials, curriculum, or pedagogy that has had a major ongoing influence on physics education beyond a single institution.
- Sustained excellence in the preparation and/or professional development of secondary school science teachers.
- Long-lasting professional service related to physics education that has had a demonstrated positive impact beyond a single institution.
- Development of a national network that has had a demonstrated positive impact on physics education.
- The development of a model program for educational outreach that has had demonstrated success and has been emulated beyond a single institution.
Nomination & Selection Process
Deadline: Monday, June 3, 2019
The nomination must include:
- A letter of not more than 5,000 characters evaluating the qualifications of the nominee(s).
In addition, the nomination should include:
- A biographical sketch.
- A list of the most important publications.
- At least two, but not more than four, seconding letters.
- Up to five reprints or preprints.
To start a new or update a continuing nomination, please see the Prize & Award Nomination Guidelines.
2020 Selection Committee Members: Paula Heron (Chair), Stamatis Vokos, Jennifer Docktor (Vice-Chair), Steve Pollock ('19 Recipient), Adrienne Traxler, Larry Woolf
Past winners are:
Past Recipients
2019: Laurie S. Langdon University of Colorado, Boulder
Richard McCray University of Colorado, Boulder
Steven Iona University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Denver
Steven Pollock University of Colorado, Boulder
Valerie K. Otero University of Colorado, Boulder
2018: Ariel Paul
Carl Wieman
Emily B. Moore
Kathy Perkins
Michael Dubson
Sam Reid
Wendy K. Adams
2017: Contemporary Physics Education Project (Howard Matis)
2016: Robert John Beichner
2015: Edward F. Redish
2014: High School Modeling Instruction
2013: Gary Gladding
Mats Selen
Timothy Stelzer
2012: NOT AWARDED
2011: Physics Teaching Resource Agents
2010: Activity Based Physics Group
2009: Two Year College Workshop Team
2008: University of Washington Physics Education Group
2007: Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) and Implementers
What is the significance of the 2020 Excellence in Physics Education Award received by the Open Source Physics Team?
The 2020 Excellence in Physics Education Award from the American Physical Society (APS) recognizes the Open Source Physics Team's sustained commitment to excellence in physics education. Specifically, it honors their work in creating and disseminating programming environments, books, software, simulations, and other tools that support computational thinking in physics. The award also acknowledges their research that establishes the value of these tools and best practices for their use in education.
Who is Loo Kang Lawrence Wee and what was his role in the Open Source Physics Team receiving this award?
Loo Kang Lawrence Wee is a Lead Specialist at the Ministry of Education, Educational Technology Division in Singapore, and is one of the 18 members of the Open Source Physics Team recognized by the APS award. His contributions have been significant, including remixing and converting over 400 Easy Java Simulations to Easy JavaScript Simulations, creating over 100 Tracker video analysis and modeling files for the Singapore curriculum, and developing the Open Source Physics at Singapore (OSP@SG) Digital Library as a resource for teachers and students. His efforts to adapt and disseminate open source physics tools for the Singapore context were a key part of the team's recognized achievements.
What are Open Educational Resources (OER) and why are they important to the work of Loo Kang and the Open Source Physics Team?
Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research materials in any medium, digital or otherwise, that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation, and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions. Loo Kang's interest lies in OER because they allow public access and free adaptation of resources, enabling anyone with motivation to gain skills for a better life. The Open Source Physics project inherently aligns with the principles of OER by providing openly accessible and modifiable tools and resources for physics education.
What is Easy JavaScript Simulation (EjsS) and Tracker video analysis and modeling software, and why are they significant to the Open Source Physics project?
Easy JavaScript Simulation (EjsS) is a tool created by Professor Francisco Esquembre and Félix J. García Clemente that allows educators to create interactive physics simulations. Tracker, created by Doug Brown, is a video analysis and modeling tool. These tools are significant to the Open Source Physics project as they empower educators to design and utilize computational models and real-world video analysis in their teaching. Loo Kang Wee has extensively used and contributed to both, converting Java-based simulations to JavaScript using EjsS and creating numerous Tracker files tailored for the Singapore curriculum.
What criteria did the American Physical Society consider when selecting the Open Source Physics Team for the Excellence in Physics Education Award?
The APS Excellence in Physics Education Award recognizes sustained commitment to excellence in physics education. This commitment can be evidenced by various accomplishments, including the development of influential instructional materials or pedagogy, sustained excellence in teacher preparation, long-lasting professional service with a positive impact beyond a single institution, development of impactful national networks, and creation of successful and emulated educational outreach programs. The Open Source Physics Team's extensive creation and dissemination of open-source tools and their established value through research align strongly with these criteria.
Was the 2020 Excellence in Physics Education Award an individual award or a team award, and were there any monetary benefits associated with it?
The 2020 Excellence in Physics Education Award was given to the Open Source Physics Team, which consists of 18 members. The award includes a 5,000monetaryprize,alongwithacertificate.ThedistributionofthemonetaryawardamongtheteammembersisatthediscretionofProfessorWolfgangChristian,theleaderoftheteam,meaningindividualmembersmightreceiveaportion,none,oradividedshareofthe5,000.
How did the Open Source Physics Team come to receive this prestigious award from the American Physical Society?
The Open Source Physics Team was nominated for the Excellence in Physics Education Award. The nomination was made by Andrew Gavrin, Chair & Associate Professor of Physics. The selection process for the award involves a nomination letter, biographical sketches, lists of important publications, seconding letters, and potentially reprints or preprints, which are then reviewed by a selection committee.
What are some examples of the impact and reach of Loo Kang Wee's contributions to open source physics education in Singapore and beyond?
Loo Kang Wee's contributions have had a significant impact through the Open Source Physics at Singapore (OSP@SG) Digital Library, which hosts over 400 converted JavaScript simulations and 100+ Tracker files. This platform serves as a widely accessible resource for teachers and students in Singapore and globally, allowing them to use and adapt these materials freely. His work has been recognized internationally, including the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education in 2015, highlighting the pedagogical innovation and impact of his open source contributions.