Wow. #india researchers suggesting #educationaftercovidhappened could use #phet #ospsg and #osp as virtual labs.

2) Open Source Physics – Singapore (OSP Singapore)

The OSP-Singapore page is maintained by Loo Kang Wee, and boasts of a large collection of simulations written in JAVA or Easyscript Java Simulations (EJS) [3]. The simulations can simply be run from a browser or can be downloaded and compiled locally. Quite a few simulations in this collection detail the use of various lab instruments. For example, simulations of Vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauges, among others, explain how to take measurements from these devices in presence of a tunable zero-error.
http://confluence.ias.ac.in/can-simulated-lab-experiences-replace-real-physics-labs-in-a-post-covid-india/
#xlabsdigitallearning

1. Executive Summary:

This document reviews the website "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" (OSP Singapore), which has been recognized in a journal paper as one of the top three websites for COVID-19 virtual lab education. The site, maintained by Loo Kang Wee, offers a large collection of open-source physics simulations written in JAVA or Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJS). These simulations are notable for their accessibility (runnable in a browser or downloadable) and their focus on simulating lab instruments and physics concepts. The website showcases a wide range of interactive resources developed by educators and through hackathon events, indicating a vibrant and collaborative community around open educational resources.

2. Main Themes and Important Ideas:

• Recognition as a Top Resource for Virtual Labs: The primary highlight is the website's recommendation in a journal paper for its value in COVID-19 virtual labs education. This underscores the site's relevance and quality in providing remote learning opportunities in physics. The webpage explicitly states: "Recommended in Journal Paper as One of the Top Three Websites for COVID-19 virtual labs education". This recognition suggests the simulations effectively address the need for practical lab experiences in a virtual environment.
• Extensive Collection of Physics Simulations: OSP Singapore boasts a "large collection of simulations written in JAVA or Easyscript Java Simulations (EJS) [3]". This volume and variety make it a comprehensive resource for educators seeking interactive tools to teach diverse physics concepts.
• Accessibility and Flexibility: The simulations are designed for ease of use, as they "can simply be run from a browser or can be downloaded and compiled locally." This dual accessibility caters to different technical capabilities and internet connectivity of users, enhancing its potential reach and impact.
• Focus on Simulating Lab Instruments: A key feature of the OSP Singapore collection is its dedication to simulating practical lab work. The website explicitly mentions examples such as "simulations of Vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauges, among others, explain how to take measurements from these devices in presence of a tunable zero-error." This feature is crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical experimentation in a virtual setting.
• Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Source Nature: The website name itself highlights its commitment to OER and open-source principles. This implies that the resources are likely freely available for use, adaptation, and sharing, promoting wider access to quality educational materials. The mention of the Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations Toolkit (EJS) as open source further reinforces this theme.
• Community-Driven Development: The presence of numerous simulations listed under headings like "SLS Hackathon" suggests a strong community involvement in creating and sharing these resources. These hackathons likely involve educators developing interactive tools for specific learning objectives, leading to a diverse and practical collection of simulations. Examples include games for learning Malay sentences, math addition, and physics concepts like heat transfer and vector addition.
• Integration with Educational Platforms: The mention of "SLS" (likely Singapore Student Learning Space) repeatedly suggests that these resources are being actively integrated into national educational platforms in Singapore, highlighting their practical application in the local context.
• Wide Range of Topics Beyond Physics: While the primary focus is physics, the list of simulations reveals resources for other subjects like chemistry (e.g., "Balancing Chemistry Equation," "Ionic Bonding Mastery"), mathematics (e.g., "Area of Trapezium," "Adding to 100 with carry"), and even language learning (e.g., Malay sentence games). This broad scope enhances the website's value as a general OER platform.
• Use of Interactive Elements and Game-Based Learning: Many listed simulations have names indicating interactive games (e.g., "Angry Bird Tracker," "Tic Tac Toe Addition Game," "Shoot the simile and metaphor dragons"). This suggests an emphasis on engaging students through interactive and gamified learning experiences.

3. Key Examples and Supporting Details:

• The website directly quotes a tweet from "#india researchers" suggesting the use of "#phet #ospsg and #osp as virtual labs" for "#educationaftercovidhappened." This provides external validation of the website's utility in the context of remote learning necessitated by the pandemic.
• The description of OSP Singapore highlights the technical details: "The OSP-Singapore page is maintained by Loo Kang Wee, and boasts of a large collection of simulations written in JAVA or Easyscript Java Simulations (EJS) [3]."
• Specific examples of physics simulations related to lab instruments are provided: "For example, simulations of Vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauges, among others, explain how to take measurements from these devices in presence of a tunable zero-error." This detail illustrates the practical focus of some of the simulations.
• The extensive list of simulations demonstrates the breadth of topics covered and the various formats (JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model, HTML5 Interactive, etc.). The sheer number of entries under "SLS Hackathon" emphasizes the community contribution.
• The "Popular Tags" section offers a quick overview of frequently accessed topics, including "SLS Hackathon 2019," "Physics," "Measurement," and "Electricity and Magnetism."

4. Potential Implications and Considerations:

• The recognition in a journal paper increases the credibility and visibility of OSP Singapore as a valuable resource for virtual science education globally.
• The open-source nature encourages adoption, adaptation, and further development of these educational tools by educators worldwide.
• The emphasis on simulating lab instruments addresses a critical challenge in remote science education, providing students with virtual hands-on experiences.
• The diverse range of simulations across different subjects could make this platform a go-to resource for educators beyond just physics.
• The active community, evidenced by the hackathon projects, suggests ongoing development and a responsiveness to the needs of educators.
• Users interested in commercial use of the underlying EasyJavaScriptSimulations Library are directed to a specific license and contact information, indicating a clear distinction between the freely available educational content and the licensing of the development tool itself.

5. Conclusion:

The Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website, recognized as a leading resource for COVID-19 virtual lab education, offers a rich and diverse collection of accessible, open-source simulations. Maintained by Loo Kang Wee, the platform emphasizes the simulation of lab instruments and benefits from a vibrant community of educators contributing through events like SLS Hackathons. Its accessibility, focus on practical applications, and wide range of topics make it a valuable asset for educators seeking to enhance science and mathematics learning through interactive virtual to

Reference:

http://weelookang.blogspot.com/2020/06/can-simulated-lab-experiences-replace.html

Frequently Asked Questions about Open Source Physics @ Singapore

1. What is Open Source Physics @ Singapore (OSP Singapore)?

OSP Singapore is a website maintained by Loo Kang Wee that provides a large collection of open educational physics simulations. These simulations are primarily written in JAVA or Easyscript Java Simulations (EJS) and cover a wide range of physics concepts and phenomena.

2. How can I access and use the simulations offered by OSP Singapore?

The simulations on OSP Singapore can be accessed and used in two main ways: directly through a web browser without any installation, or by downloading the simulation files and compiling them locally for offline use. This flexibility allows users with varying technical skills and internet access to benefit from the resources.

3. What types of physics topics and concepts are covered by the simulations?

The OSP Singapore collection includes simulations covering a diverse range of physics topics, from fundamental concepts in mechanics, waves, and optics to more advanced areas like electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and even modern physics. Additionally, there are simulations designed to illustrate the use of various laboratory instruments and techniques, such as Vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauges.

4. Are the simulations suitable for different educational levels?

While the website doesn't explicitly categorize simulations by educational level, the sheer variety of topics and the inclusion of both basic and more complex simulations suggest that the resources can be valuable for a wide range of learners, from primary and secondary school students to university-level physics education. The inclusion of simulations related to specific exam questions (like PSLE) also indicates their relevance to particular curricula.

5. What is the significance of OSP Singapore being recommended for COVID-19 virtual labs education?

The recommendation in a journal paper highlights the value and quality of OSP Singapore's simulations, particularly in the context of remote learning necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests that the platform provides effective virtual lab experiences that can supplement or even partially replace traditional physical labs, offering students opportunities for interactive learning and experimentation when physical access to labs is limited.

6. What are Easyscript Java Simulations (EJS)?

Easyscript Java Simulations (EJS) is a tool or framework used to create the interactive physics simulations found on OSP Singapore. EJS likely simplifies the process of developing these simulations, allowing educators and developers to create engaging and interactive learning experiences in physics using Java-based technologies.

7. Does OSP Singapore offer resources beyond just physics simulations?

While the primary focus appears to be on physics simulations, the website also hosts other educational resources and tools. Examples include interactive games for learning various subjects (like mathematics and languages), tools for designing interactive e-assessments, and links to other open educational resource platforms. The diverse range suggests a broader commitment to interactive and open education.

8. Who maintains and contributes to the OSP Singapore platform?

The OSP Singapore page is maintained by Loo Kang Wee. The website also showcases projects and simulations created by various educators and students, particularly through events like the SLS Hackathon. This collaborative aspect indicates a community effort in developing and sharing open educational resources.