Briefing Document: EJS Workshop and Open Source Physics Resources

Date: October 27, 2023

Subject: Review of "20120817 Lee T.L.,Wee L.K, (2012, 17August) Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series for Senior and Lead Teachers, River Valley High School, Computer Lab 1, Singapore" and related activities

Purpose: To summarize the main themes, key ideas, and resources presented in the document, focusing on the use of EJS and Open Source Physics (OSP) in education.

Executive Summary:

This document details a workshop held in Singapore on August 17, 2012, aimed at training senior and lead physics teachers on using Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations (EJS) to create interactive physics models. It highlights the pedagogical approach of constructionism (learning by making), the vast resources available from Open Source Physics (OSP), and the practical application of EJS in customizing simulations for active student learning. The document also serves as a log of various workshops, presentations and projects related to OSP, EJS and interactive simulations in Singapore and beyond.

Key Themes and Ideas:

• Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations (EJS) as a Pedagogical Tool:The workshop centered around using EJS as a tool to create interactive physics simulations. The emphasis was on EJS as a "tool only, not a cure," underscoring the importance of pedagogical design over mere technological implementation.
• EJS was presented as a way to empower teachers to create custom simulations tailored to specific curriculum needs, supporting the idea of teachers as designers of learning experiences.
• The workshop included practical sessions where teachers downloaded, launched, and modified EJS models.
• A key element was the encouragement for teachers to learn by making, which aligns with constructivist learning theory. The document states: "The pedagogy of learning by making also known as constructionism is also afforded when teachers themselves are willing to learn together with the students, perhaps as a project-based activity."
• Open Source Physics (OSP) Resources:The document heavily promotes OSP as a valuable resource for educators, emphasizing the wealth of existing simulations and models available online through platforms like "http://www.compadre.org/osp/" and "http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/."
• The workshop encouraged participants to use and customize OSP resources to match the Singaporean syllabus. This customization aspect allows for alignment of simulations to specific learning outcomes.
• The document states that the OSP resources "presents a huge opportunity for educators to customize the digital libraries computer models into suitable tools for active learning with technology."
• Workshop Structure and Activities:The workshop followed a structured approach starting with a rationale, moving through practical demonstrations and ending with time for teachers to work on their models. This systematic format ensured that participants could grasp the skills required for designing their simulations.
• Participants were guided on how to download, launch, and utilize EJS, also were provided with resources on how to access models, features, and codes for features from the (OSP and NTNU) internet.
• The workshop facilitated collaborative learning through pair work, where teachers added features to existing models, and this promoted shared learning and problem-solving.
• The intention was to create a community, using the NTNU platform for teachers to upload their work and to foster ongoing collaboration on the platform.
• Specific areas of physics were targeted as practical project ideas for the workshop including:
• Electromagnetic waves and sound wave models with Doppler Effect
• Electric current induced by magnetic flux linkage including falling magnet on a ring and falling magnet through a solenoid
• Models for AC generators and transformers
• Magnetic field line models for bar magnets
• Active Learning with Technology:The underlying goal of the workshop was to enhance active learning experiences through the use of interactive computer models. It is stated that the tools would be used "as tools for students’ active inquiry learning with, augmented with real equipment where appropriate."
• The document emphasizes the use of digital tools as an augmentation, not a replacement for real-world experiments, advocating for a blended learning environment.
• The ability to create customized models, allows educators to design learning experiences that are student-centered and engaging.
• Community Building and Continued Learning:The workshop aimed at fostering a community of educators who would share their work and collaborate on further model development, using platforms like the NTNU website as a space for collaboration and the ongoing work on their models.
• The document also serves as a log and list of workshops and presentations, reflecting an ongoing effort to build and sustain a community of users and developers of OSP tools, with many events listed after the initial 2012 workshop.
• Accessibility and User-Friendliness:The workshop highlighted that using EJS did not require admin rights, simplifying the process of implementation and lowering the barriers to adoption.
• The provided links to download EJS and associated tutorials aimed at making the software easy to learn and use.
• "FAQ: Do I need admin rights on the machines? No, just download, unzip (expand the files, this is important!!) and click on the EJSconsole.jar to run. only need Java Runtime which SSOE machine should already have."

Specific Resources Mentioned:

• EJS Download: http://www.um.es/fem/EjsWiki/Main/Download
• OSP Models: http://www.compadre.org/osp/
• NTNU Models: http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/
• EJS Video Tutorials:http://www.compadre.org/OSP/filingcabinet/share.cfm?UID=12664&FID=31541&code=136ACC3CF8
• http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2011/02/easy-java-simulation-tutorial.html

Additional Points from Log of Activities:

• There are a variety of projects listed throughout the document, indicating a breadth of content being developed and refined by the community.
• The projects range from primary school to advanced topics at the junior college and university level.
• The use of Tracker video analysis software is a reoccurring theme, indicating that it is a common tool used in conjunction with the computer models.
• A number of interactive HTML5 javascript applets have been developed, reflecting an ongoing effort to incorporate cutting-edge web technologies for learning.
• There is an explicit acknowledgement and licensing of the Open Source code being used, along with contact information for commercial uses of the tools.

Conclusion:

This document provides a valuable insight into the use of EJS and OSP resources in enhancing physics education. It demonstrates a commitment to active learning, teacher empowerment, and the sharing of knowledge within an educational community. The workshop and related activities presented serve as a model for how technology can be effectively integrated into teaching practices to promote deeper understanding and engagement for students.

http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2012/08/lee-tlwee-lk-2012-17august-physics.html

Lee T.L., Wee L.K, (2012, 17 August) Physics Subject Chapter Brown BagSeries for Senior and Lead Teachers, River Valley High School, ComputerLab 1, Singapore

Tat Leong leading the sharing on http://goo.gl/VBGWp

Lee T.L., Wee L.K (2012, 17August) Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series for Senior and Lead Teachers, River Valley high School, Computer Lab 1, Singapore

example of EJS

Program:
1400-1415: the arrival of participants (refreshment is served)
1415-1430: download, launch EJS to run on the participants own laptop, computer lab 1 desktop should have EJS as well as backup
1430-1435: rationale of this workshop, computer models as a tool only, not a cure.
1435-1450: share the vast computer models and materials 

1. http://www.compadre.org/osp/ models, filing cabinet, discussion, request a simulation etc.
2. http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/ models, discussion, request a simulation etc
3. http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2012/08/lee-tlwee-lk-2012-17august-physics.html for today's workshop and menu on the left of the models customized to SG syllabus to date.

1450-1500: launch EJS
1500-1700: building a model by Tat Leong using https://www.evernote.com/shard/s14/sh/c0ef5293-e794-4116-8baf-49dbce87e4c0/4657a85bc212406e8f671f5164044671
1600-1630: a demo of how to get codes for features from the (OSP and NTNU) internet by lookang
1630-1700: in pairs, add 2 features to your own model (prefer Tat Leong's model or your own)
1700-1715: discussion and uploading of your work-in-progress into NTNU http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?board=28.0 for the continuation of your model and building a community.
1715-1730: feedback form from AST and closing    EJS download

1. http://www.um.es/fem/EjsWiki/Main/Download EJS_4.3.7_120810.zip
2. mirror link ComPadre digital library may be faster for America

EJS video tutorials

1. http://www.compadre.org/OSP/filingcabinet/share.cfm?UID=12664&FID=31541&code=136ACC3CF8 by lookang using Wolfgang's folder as the template
2. or this http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2011/02/easy-java-simulation-tutorial.html by lookang

EJS workshop resources:

1. https://www.evernote.com/shard/s14/sh/c0ef5293-e794-4116-8baf-49dbce87e4c0/4657a85bc212406e8f671f5164044671 by tatlee08@gmail.com
2. http://www.compadre.org/osp/filingcabinet/share.cfm?FID=17708 by Wolfgang, if there is time, chapter 2 will be covered briefly.

Let us know what you hope to gain in the workshop by filling in this form :) 
For 
1 Create a model for electromagnetic wave and sound wave
Electromagnetic wave 
Doppler Effect sound Wave2 Create a model for electric current induced by magnetic flux linkage.
Electromagnetic Induction ( Falling Magnet on a Ring )
Electromagnetic Induction ( Falling Long Magnet through a Solenoid with AJC ) 4 Create a model for AC generator and transformer.
Electromagnetic Induction ( AC Generator ) 
transformer http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=631.05 Create magnetic field line model for bar magnet
Magnetism Bar Magnet & Compass Model with Earth visualization
Magnetism 2 Bar Magnet & Compass Model java applet https://docs.google.com/presentation/pub?id=1jwT5ufMpNlD7fp57EnPY-8a9sZwk6idONZe7WYdHoUE&start=true&loop=true&delayms=3000
 post here http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2012/07/physics-subject-chapter-brown-bag.html
Equipment: Bring Your Own LaptopRefreshment: http://www.stamfordcs.com.sg/menu/buffet/2013/displaymenu.asp?catcode=buffet&menucode=2013&menu=corporate $4 per Person (min.40 person) 7 Courses + 1 Beverage thanks to Sze Yee for leading this.looks like AST also is providing refreshment$2.5 for 25 person Title: Physics Subject Chapter Brown Bag Series by STs/LTs Using easy java simulation to build simple physics models.Using easy java simulation to build simple physics models. In this workshop, participants get to experience how to create a simple physics computer model that can be used as tools for students’ active inquiry learning with, augmented with real equipment where appropriate. The pedagogy of learning by making also known as constructionism is also afforded when teachers themselves are willing to learn together with the students, perhaps as a project-based activity.
Lastly, the vast resources created by the Open Source Physics Research community 
1. http://www.compadre.org/osp/
2. http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/will be shared, presents a huge opportunity for educators to customize the digital libraries computer models into suitable tools for active learning with technology.
FAQ:
Do I need admin rights on the machines?
No, just download, unzip (expand the files, this is important!!) and click on the EJSconsole.jar to run. only need Java Runtime which SSOE machine should already have.

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Tat Leong leading the sharing on http://goo.gl/VBGWp

Tat Leong leading the sharing on http://goo.gl/VBGWp

Tat Leong leading the sharing on http://goo.gl/VBGWp

workshop on easy java simulation at river valley high

evaluation form:
 responses 

FAQ: Physics Simulations and Open Educational Resources

1. What is Easy Java Simulation (EJS) and how is it used in the context of this workshop? EJS is a free, open-source authoring tool that allows users to create interactive computer models and simulations, primarily for physics education. In the workshop described, participants learn how to use EJS to build simple physics simulations. The emphasis is on using these models as tools for active inquiry learning by students, often integrated with real-world equipment. It's also emphasized that computer models are tools, not replacements for physical learning.
2. Where can educators find pre-built physics simulations and resources for use in the classroom? Several key online resources are highlighted:

• http://www.compadre.org/osp/: This is the Open Source Physics (OSP) collection, which provides a wide array of simulations, discussions, and a platform to request specific simulations.
• http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/: This is another repository offering models, and also facilitates discussions and simulation requests.
• http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2012/08/lee-tlwee-lk-2012-17august-physics.html This blog link is specific to the workshop, but highlights some specific models that were developed for Singapore's syllabus.

1. What is the pedagogy behind using simulations in physics education, as presented in these materials? The workshop emphasizes a pedagogy of "learning by making," also known as constructionism. This approach encourages teachers and students to actively engage with the subject matter by creating and customizing their own simulations. This fosters a deeper understanding by putting the learner in the role of creator. The models are meant to augment and enhance learning experiences, rather than just as replacements to actual equipment.
2. Do teachers need any special permissions to use the EJS software? No, teachers do not need admin rights on their computers to run EJS. They simply need to download and unzip the files, then launch the EJSconsole.jar file. This is possible as long as the computer has the Java Runtime Environment installed.
3. What types of physics models are mentioned as examples of what participants could create? Several examples of models that participants can create or modify were highlighted. These include simulations of:

• Electromagnetic waves
• Sound waves, including the Doppler Effect.
• Electromagnetic induction
• AC generators and transformers.
• Magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.
• Many others across kinematics, dynamics, energy and other physics topics.

1. How can teachers modify and adapt existing simulations?

The workshop encourages participants to add features to pre-existing models, emphasizing hands-on modifications. Participants are guided to use resources from the OSP and NTNU to find code snippets they can incorporate into their own models. This allows them to customize the simulations to meet their specific teaching needs. The ultimate goal is for teachers to share and build upon each others work to create a community of active model builders.

1. Is there a community where teachers can share their work and continue to collaborate? Yes, the workshop encourages participants to upload their work-in-progress to the NTNU website (http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?board=28.0), which also serves as a platform for collaboration and community building. This highlights the open-source nature of the initiative.
2. What other tools and resources beyond EJS are used and mentioned? The documents also highlight use of:

• Tracker: A video analysis tool used for physics education. Teachers can import video of experiments and trace and model the object's motion to compare to their theoretical calculations.
• HTML5/JavaScript: Used to create interactive simulations, especially for broader compatibility. Many of the physics models are built using these technologies.
• Desmos: Mentioned as a modeling tool, indicating that a variety of resources are being used to teach physics concepts.
• Open Source Physics: This is a community and initiative promoting freely available educational materials.