Briefing Document: Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore

1. Overview:

This document details the work of Wee Loo Kang, a Senior Specialist at the Educational Technology Division (ETD), Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore, who was awarded the MOE Outstanding Innovator Award in 2013. The core of his innovation lies in the development and implementation of open-source physics computer models and simulations to enhance physics education. These resources are designed to be freely available for use by educators and students worldwide.

2. Key Themes and Ideas:

• Innovation in Physics Education: Wee Loo Kang's work is characterized by his commitment to innovative teaching methods that leverage technology. He is described as "an excellent ideator who constantly seeks to find new ways of improving learning and teaching."
• Open Educational Resources (OER): The project emphasizes the creation and sharing of resources that are free and accessible to anyone, anywhere, aligning with the principles of OER. He aims to "create new open source physics computer models to benefit anyone, anywhere in the world, for free."
• Interactive Learning: The computer models are designed to be interactive and student-centric. This approach is intended to foster deeper understanding through engagement and exploration, with physics coming "alive" and allowing for "learn through play". This is also aligned with the research, "computer models are appropriate laboratory environments that can provide contextualized experience, essential for deepening students’ understanding through student-centric interactive learning."
• Inquiry-Based Learning: A significant component of Wee Loo Kang's approach is the use of active inquiry lesson packages that incorporate computer models. His project "gravity-physics by inquiry" won a gold award, highlighting the value of this methodology.
• Impact and Scalability: The impact of the models is substantial, with implementations in at least five schools with level-wide implementations of inquiry laboratory and flip classroom e-learning. Research suggests "students and teachers not only believed in the usefulness of these computer models but there is measurable educational gains (Hake, 1998) even for first time implementations." Furthermore, his ideas are being extended into the Ministry of Education's handbook for teachers.
• Use of Technology: The project heavily relies on digital technologies, using JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Models, Easy Java Simulation (EJS), and Tracker Video Analysis and Modeling. This shows a commitment to harnessing the power of technology in education.
• Recognition and Collaboration: The MOE Outstanding Innovator Award acknowledges Wee Loo Kang's significant contribution. The project also mentions collaborations with educators and institutions, which is critical to scaling his models for wider usage. This collaboration is crucial, noting "future collaboration with principal master teacher (Physics) who will extend Loo Kang’s ideas on more than 75 computer models into the ministry of education academy of Singapore teacher’s Handbook for Teaching Secondary Physics".

3. Key Facts and Figures:

• 75+ Physics Simulations: Wee Loo Kang has contributed or adapted over 75 physics simulations for the local curriculum. This includes simulations for Newtonian Mechanics, Oscillations, and more.
• Implementation: The active inquiry lesson packages with computer models have been implemented in five schools: River Valley High, Yishun Junior College, Serangoon Junior College, Anderson Junior College and Innova Junior College.
• Awards: His project “gravity-physics by inquiry” won the gold award at the Innergy award 2012. He also received the MOE Outstanding Innovator Award in 2013.
• Handbook Inclusion: His models will be included in the Ministry of Education's teacher's handbook for teaching secondary physics.

4. Examples of Resources:

The webpage lists a large number of interactive resources including:

• Simulations of Simple Harmonic Motion, Kepler Orbits, Magnetic Fields, and much more.
• Tools for data analysis like Tracker.
• Various models and simulations across different physics topics.
• Includes a variety of different types of learning resources such as e-books and audio content.

5. Relevant Quotes:

• "Loo Kang an excellent ideator who constantly seeks to find new ways of improving learning and teaching."
• "His research suggests computer models are appropriate laboratory environments that can provide contextualized experience, (Wee, 2012b) essential for deepening students’ understanding through student-centric interactive learning"
• "Most importantly, physics comes "alive" allowing for learn through play (Lee, 2012, p. 14)."
• "His key project “gravity-physics by inquiry” won the gold award at the Innergy award 2012 and was recognised for his innovative idea, a fundamental breakthrough by creating significant value-add previously not possible."
• "students and teachers not only believed in the usefulness of these computer models but there is measurable educational gains (Hake, 1998) even for first time implementations."

6. Conclusion:

The work of Wee Loo Kang exemplifies a commitment to innovative and open educational practices in physics. His use of computer simulations, combined with inquiry-based learning and a dedication to freely sharing resources, demonstrates a powerful model for improving physics education and empowering students and teachers alike. His recognition by the MOE further validates the impact and potential of his contributions. The project highlights the benefits of a technology-rich learning environment and provides a blueprint for other educators interested in creating and implementing their own OER.