20120327 eduLab@AST Learning Journey For iCTLT Foreign Delegates & Local Media

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http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2012/03/edulabast-learning-journey-for-ictlt.html

Briefing Document: Open Educational Resources and Open Source Physics in Singapore

1. Overview:

This document summarizes a presentation and related activities surrounding the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Source Physics (OSP) in Singapore, specifically highlighting a 2012 event called "eduLab Learning Journey For iCTLT Foreign Delegates & Local Media". The focus is on how Singaporean educators are leveraging technology and open-source tools to innovate in physics education. The source material is primarily from a blog post documenting this event and related projects.

2. Key Themes:

Innovation in Physics Education: The core theme revolves around using interactive simulations, particularly Java and JavaScript applets, to enhance physics learning. The initiative emphasizes a "grounds-up approach to innovation," with teachers actively involved in experimentation and development.
Open Source & Collaboration: A strong emphasis is placed on the use of open-source tools and resources, as well as collaboration within the local teaching community and the international OSP community. This collaborative spirit aims to improve teaching practices and access to quality educational materials.
Technology Integration: The materials showcase the use of various technologies, including:
Java and JavaScript applets for interactive simulations.
Tracker video analysis software
Mobile apps (iOS and Android)
Google Sites for hosting resources.
Inquiry-Based Learning: The applets are intended to enable students to "conduct scientific investigation-inquiry on the computer models and propose physics concepts in agreement with the data collected." This underscores a move towards more active, exploratory learning.
Seeding, Scaling, and Sustaining Innovation: The eduLab initiative is described as a "living lab" where educators can experiment with technology. The aims include fostering collaboration, promoting adoption of successful technologies, and providing infrastructure to support experimentation.
Teacher Professional Development: The various workshops and events listed point to a strong focus on training teachers on how to use these tools effectively.

3. Important Ideas and Facts:

eduLab: This is a key initiative and physical space described as a "living lab" for educators. It is designed to promote innovation, collaboration, and the adoption of technology in education. The stated objectives of the facility are:
To foster ideation and collaboration in experimenting with technology in education;
To promote adoption of successful use of technology in education; and
To provide ICT infrastructure to facilitate technology experimentation for schools and MOE HQ to assess potential solutions prior to adoption.
Open Source Physics Applets: The presentation at the event featured "Learning Physics using Open Source Physics Java Applets". These applets are used to create interactive simulations of physics concepts. Many of these resources were developed by local teachers like Wee Loo Kang and his collaborators. Examples of specific applets mentioned include simulations for:
Newtonian Mechanics (Oscillations, Pendulum)
Kepler's Laws
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Radioactive Decay
Kinematics, including free fall and projectile motion.
Circular Motion
Waves (Sound, Superposition)
Energy Concepts
Hands-On Experience: Participants of the eduLab are given "hands-on experience on evolving and new ICT innovations" through scheduled workshops. This is essential for promoting adoption of the tools.
International Collaboration: The project also emphasizes collaboration with the international open-source physics community. This highlights a broader awareness of global efforts to innovate in physics education.
Awards and Recognition: The project and its contributors have received several awards for their contributions to education:
UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education (2015-6)
Public Service 21 Distinguished Star Service Award 2014
Public Service 21 ExCEL Awards Best Ideator 2012
Ministry of Education Outstanding Innovator Award 2013
Ministry of Education Service Excellence Award 2012
Innergy Award Gold 2012 Gravity Physics by Inquiry
Use of Tracker: The use of Tracker video analysis software is also highlighted as a tool for inquiry-based learning, allowing students to analyze real-world motion and compare it to models.
Community Engagement: The source material provides evidence of active social media engagement, using Twitter to document activities and share insights.

4. Key Quotes:

"This case study offers a grounds-up approach to innovation and features a group of Physics teachers coming together to improve their practice through classroom experimentation."
"...java applets enable students to conduct scientific investigation-inquiry on the computer models and propose physics concepts in agreement with the data collected in the computer models or/and real world."
"Centered on the idea of a ‘living lab’ where educators can come together to experiment with the latest technology and generate ideas for improving teaching and learning..."
"At this physical space, participants can gain experiential insights into how MOE and schools, in collaboration with academics and industry, have developed ICT innovations."

5. Implications:

This initiative suggests that Singapore is actively pursuing a technologically-rich and inquiry-based approach to physics education. The focus on open-source tools, collaboration, and teacher professional development shows a commitment to creating a sustainable and innovative learning environment. The use of simulation tools and interactive applets can potentially make learning more engaging and accessible for students while also empowering teachers.

6. Further Research:

It would be valuable to investigate the impact of these initiatives on student learning outcomes and to track the ongoing development of open-source physics resources within Singapore's educational system. This document mostly captures the early stages of the project, so more current data would be useful.

This briefing document should provide a comprehensive overview of the key information present in the source material. Let me know if you have other questions!

eduLab@AST Learning Journey For iCTLT Foreign Delegates & Local Media

eduLab@AST Case 2: Open Source Physics

Objective
To showcase the Singapore approach to seeding innovations in classrooms and how we sustain and spread these efforts. Event: EduLab@AST Learning Journey For iCTLT2012 Foreign Delegates & Local Media

Objective: eduLab: To showcase the Singapore approach to seeding innovations in classrooms and how we sustain and spread these efforts.

www: http://weelookang.blogspot.com/2012/03/edulabast-learning-journey-for-ictlt.html

Item: Case Study 2
Title: Learning Physics using Open Source Physics Java Applets
Presenter: Wee Loo Kang, SST
Audience: 30 iCTLT2012 Foreign Delegates and Local Media

Date: 27th March 2012
Time: 1430-1730
Address:2 Malan Rd,Singapore 109433
Venue: Academy of Singapore Teachers, EduLab Level 4 Physics Lab
Time: 40 min probably 1530-1620
Plan: Slide 1 to 8 talk
Slide 9 explore Google site https://sites.google.com/site/ijcsuperposition/This case study offers a grounds-up approach to innovation and features a group of Physics teachers coming together to improve their practice through classroom experimentation. The team have sought the support of the teaching community locally as well as tapped the expertise of the international open-source Physics community. Through this project presentation, participants will also witness how java applets enable students to conduct scientific investigation-inquiry on the computer models and propose physics concepts in agreement with the data collected in the computer models or/and real world.PPTYouTube
Computer Models Hosted Google Site https://sites.google.com/site/lookang

Email update!! Awesome
Educational Technology Division (ETD) is pleased to announce the launch of eduLab on 29 March 2012. Centered on the idea of a ‘living lab’ where educators can come together to experiment with the latest technology and generate ideas for improving teaching and learning, eduLab brings together a network of teachers, researchers and industry partners to develop and spread ICT innovations. Under the theme of ‘Seed, Scale, Sustain’, the key objectives for eduLab include:To foster ideation and collaboration in experimenting with technology in education;
To promote adoption of successful use of technology in education; and
To provide ICT infrastructure to facilitate technology experimentation for schools and MOE HQ to assess potential solutions prior to adoption.
At this physical space, participants can gain experiential insights into how MOE and schools, in collaboration with academics and industry, have developed ICT innovations. eduLab explores how schools have leveraged ICT to develop curriculum innovations and design new pedagogies for learning, and provides a sneak peek into emerging technologies and how they can be used in or out of the classroom.To provide participants hands-on experience on evolving and new ICT innovations, workshops have been scheduled for educators to learn from fellow educators, researchers or industry experts. This is available on eduLab website http://www.tinyurl.com/AST-eduLab. As places to the various workshops are limited, your staff is encouraged to register early.If there is any clarification required, you may contact Ms Ang Yee Zhen at 6879 6489 or Mr Neo Chin Heng at 6879 6554. Alternatively, you can email your questions to.We look forward to welcoming you at eduLab

screen capture of the iOS app on ICTLT2012 for eduLab@AST learning journey

eduLab@AST launch http://iresearch.edumall.sg/iresearch/slot/u110/edulab/index0.html

lookang sharing about open source physics at launch of eduLa@AST>

lookang sharing about open source physics at launch of eduLa@AST, picture brightness adjusted

photo taken by iCTLT_reporter on twitter

more twitter action

photo taken by iCTLT_reporter on twitter

RT @iCTLT_reporter Highlights of LJ @ #eduLabAST: Learning about Java Simulation Physics. #ictlt2012 http://pic.twitter.com/v2MvwUNp ‏

http://j.mp/H6yvOm my blog entry learning journey open source physics on the #edulabast #ictlt2012

‏

Highlights of LJ to #eduLabAST: More hands-on activities! Trying out the Java Simulation Physics Applications#ictlt2012http://pic.twitter.com/W51heIuR

RT @iCTLT_reporter Highlights of LJ @ #eduLabAST: Learning about Java Simulation Physics. #ictlt2012 http://pic.twitter.com/v2MvwUNp ‏

Can't get enough of the Open Source Phyiscs ppt today in #edulabAST by #lookang . Drop by MR 313-31 (CS3 , Day 1, 4 pm to 5 pm) on Thur!

Thumbs up to the power of open source physics . Make physics learning fun #edulabast #lookangMore Photo courtesy of IDA and thanks to IDA for allowing me to use these photo
taken by http://www.estherleestudio.com/IDASingapore-1/2732012-eduLabAST/22145599_Nw9Q95

More Photo courtesy of IDA and thanks to IDA for allowing me to use these photo
taken by http://www.estherleestudio.com/IDASingapore-1/2732012-eduLabAST/22145599_Nw9Q95

FAQ on Open Educational Resources and Open Source Physics in Singapore

What is the core idea behind the Open Source Physics (OSP) initiative in Singapore, and how does it relate to educational technology?
The core idea is to enhance physics education through the use of freely available, interactive computer simulations and models. These resources allow students to conduct scientific inquiries, experiment with physics concepts, and analyze data, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the subject. The initiative leverages the power of technology to make complex physics concepts more accessible and engaging for students, promoting a more hands-on and inquiry-based learning approach. By employing open-source resources, it also encourages collaboration and sharing within the educational community.
What types of digital resources are utilized in this initiative?
The initiative uses a wide range of resources, including Java and JavaScript applets, HTML5 simulations, and 3D models. These resources cover diverse physics topics from Newtonian mechanics to electromagnetism, and even advanced topics like nuclear decay. Additionally, tools like Tracker, a video analysis and modeling software, are used to bridge the gap between real-world experiments and theoretical concepts, which creates a more rounded learning experience. The diverse library of simulations allows students to investigate scientific concepts through exploration and experimentation, all within a virtual environment.
How does the eduLab@AST program contribute to the adoption of these open educational resources?
The eduLab @ AST (Academy of Singapore Teachers) program serves as a "living lab" where educators can experiment with new technologies, including Open Source Physics resources. It provides a platform for teachers, researchers, and industry partners to collaborate, develop, and share ICT innovations. The program aims to 'seed, scale, and sustain' the use of technology in education by providing resources, training workshops, and infrastructure that encourage teachers to implement these innovations in their classrooms. This is essential in promoting the uptake of OER.
Who is involved in developing and promoting Open Source Physics resources in Singapore?
The development and promotion of OSP resources involve a diverse group of stakeholders, primarily comprising teachers, researchers, academics, and industry experts. The collaborative nature of the projects is apparent, with teachers experimenting and improving resources, researchers pushing the boundaries of technology, and academics providing guidance and feedback. There's a strong emphasis on a community-driven approach. International collaborations are also included with support from open source physics communities.
How do the interactive simulations and applets aid student learning?
The interactive simulations and applets allow students to visualize and manipulate abstract physics concepts. Students can conduct virtual experiments, observe the effects of different parameters, collect data, and propose physics concepts based on their findings. This fosters a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and promotes a more active, inquiry-based approach to learning. The use of visual aids and dynamic models can be especially useful for students with diverse learning styles.
What recognition and awards has the Open Source Physics initiative in Singapore received?
The initiative has received numerous accolades, including the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education, Ministry of Education Outstanding Innovator Award, and the Public Service 21 ExCEL Awards. These recognitions highlight the impact of the program and emphasize its value in advancing educational practices. The multiple awards suggest the program’s innovative approach and the positive outcomes it has been able to achieve.
What is the role of workshops and training sessions in promoting this approach?
Workshops and training sessions are crucial for equipping educators with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively use open source physics resources. These sessions allow teachers to learn from fellow educators, researchers, and industry experts, promoting a community of practice. Educators gain hands-on experience with the tools and receive support in integrating them into their existing lesson plans and curriculum. The goal is to increase self-efficacy when using OER.
How does this program encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration among educators?
The Open Source Physics initiative promotes a culture of innovation by encouraging teachers to experiment with new technologies and educational approaches. The open nature of the resources fosters a collaborative environment where educators can share their ideas, modify existing resources, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the initiative. The emphasis on experimentation and hands-on involvement empowers teachers to be active participants in the educational innovation process.