Briefing Document: Open Educational Resources and Interactive Physics Simulations in Singapore

1. Overview:

This document analyzes the content from the "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" webpage, specifically referencing a presentation given at the 6th International Conference on Learning, Education and Pedagogy (LEAP) in Hong Kong (October 2016). The core theme is the development and implementation of interactive, open educational resources (OER) using Easy JavaScript/Java Simulations (EjsS/EJS) for physics education in Singapore. The project is spearheaded by Loo Kang Lawrence Wee of the Ministry of Education, Singapore.

2. Key Themes and Concepts:

• Open Educational Resources (OER): The project is deeply rooted in the philosophy of OER. The aim is to create freely accessible and reusable educational materials. This is evidenced by the reference to UNESCO's definition of OER: "http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/access-to-knowledge/open-educational-resources/what-are-open-educational-resources-oers/". The material is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License, promoting sharing and adaptation.
• Interactive Learning: The central idea is that interactive simulations are superior to static, printed materials for learning. As stated in the abstract: "The theory underpinning this work is that learning by learner effort by modeling and thinking through dynamic and interactive simulation-models is more easily integrated than knowledge gained through static printed materials." This emphasis on active learning is a critical component.
• Easy JavaScript/Java Simulations (EjsS/EJS): The primary tool used to create the interactive resources is the EjsS/EJS modeling tool. This tool enables educators to develop customized simulations that students can manipulate and explore. The ease of use of the tool seems to be a focus. The site contains a huge library of these simulations, covering a broad range of physics topics.
• Electronic Book-Chapters (epub3): The approach involves combining interactive models, supporting text, and illustrations into coherent electronic book chapters. This format is accessible on computers and tablets. The aim is to move away from traditional textbooks towards more dynamic, digital learning resources. This aligns to the "logical next step towards more complete support for teachers and students".
• Singapore-Cambridge A-Level Customization: The resources are designed to align with the specific curriculum requirements of the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-level) physics syllabus, making them highly relevant for the Singaporean context.
• Modeling Pedagogy: The project promotes "learning by learner effort by modeling". The simulation models are intended to be not just passive tools, but rather something that students actively engage with by interacting and modifying them to understand concepts. This supports a deeper understanding of the theory.
• Teacher Empowerment and Inspiration: A key goal of the project, as stated in the abstract, is to "inspire more educators to create interactive and open educational resources for the benefit of all." The intent is to empower educators to become creators of learning content.
• Accessibility: The materials are made available on multiple platforms, including web-based access and in formats such as iBook Store, Google Play Book, and Kindle Book.

3. Key Examples and Prototypes:

• E-book Prototypes: The presentation highlights prototypes for electronic chapters on Simple Harmonic Motion and Gravity. These prototypes are available at:
• https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/physics/02-newtonian-mechanics/08-gravity/154-e-book-shm
• https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/physics/02-newtonian-mechanics/09-oscillations/153-e-book-gravity
• Extensive Simulation Library: The site boasts an impressive collection of interactive simulations covering a variety of topics, including but not limited to:
• Kinematics
• Dynamics
• Energy
• Oscillations
• Electromagnetism
• Optics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Math Concepts
• Specific Examples: The document lists numerous specific simulations, including: "Flight Dynamics Gimbal JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model," "Three States of Matter JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model," "Alternating Current AC Generator JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model," and many others. These examples show the breadth of the project. There is a clear integration with "Tracker" video analysis software, which can be integrated with simulations for real-world connections. The range of use covers even primary school concepts, such as "Primary Maths 3D view of Objects Cone, Pyramid, Cylinder, Sphere on Cuboid JavaScript Model Simulation Applet HTML5" as well as more complex concepts like "Hydrogen, Bromine, Hydrogen Bromide equilibrium JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model".
• Tools for Teachers: The site includes resources such as "Desmos Modeling Tool" that teachers can use for their teaching.

4. Supporting Evidence (Quotes):

• "learning by learner effort by modeling and thinking through dynamic and interactive simulation-models is more easily integrated than knowledge gained through static printed materials." - This highlights the core belief of the project.
• "I aim to inspire more educators to create interactive and open educational resources[1] for the benefit of all." - This underscores the goal of teacher empowerment and open access.

5. Organizational Structure:

• The project is associated with the Association for Development of Teaching, Education and Learning (ADTEL).
• The presentation was delivered at the LEAP conference in Hong Kong.
• The user "lookang" is a significant contributor to the site with numerous articles and hits.

6. Significance:

This initiative represents a significant effort to modernize physics education in Singapore by leveraging technology and open resources. By making these interactive models and resources freely available, the project seeks to transform how physics is taught and learned, promoting more active and inquiry-based pedagogical approaches. It also acts as a model for other regions aiming to enhance STEM education with digital tools and OER. There's a strong emphasis on not just content delivery, but on the development of modeling skills, which are essential for scientific understanding. The project actively fosters collaborations with educators from other institutions such as "Prof Douglas Brown and Wolfgang Christian NUS LT31", "Francisco Esquembre and Wolfgang Christian @NIE LT12" and "Fu-Kwun Hwang @River Valley High School" etc.

7. Further Points:

• Constant Updates: The presence of a "20240718-24 Web EJS beta Workshop" suggests this is an ongoing, evolving project.
• Recognition: The project and its contributors have received recognition, including a UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education, and multiple awards from the Ministry of Education in Singapore.

8. Conclusion:

The "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore" project is a highly ambitious and impactful initiative in physics education. It leverages interactive simulations and OER principles to create dynamic and accessible learning resources. The work done by Loo Kang Lawrence Wee and his team highlights a pathway for the future of science education in a digital age.