Briefing Document: Open Educational Resources for Gravity

Source: Excerpts from 📚"epub3 e-Book on Gravity - Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore"

Main Themes:

• Open Educational Resources (OER) for Physics: The source focuses on the development and distribution of an interactive e-book about gravity for Advanced Level Physics students. This resource is part of a broader initiative to leverage open source tools and platforms for physics education.
• Interactive Learning through Simulations: The e-book emphasizes interactive learning through the integration of 15+ simulations built using Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJS). These simulations allow students to visualize and experiment with concepts related to gravity, moving beyond static images and passive learning.
• Accessibility and Mobile Learning: The e-book is designed to be accessible across devices, including Android and iOS, promoting mobile learning. It supports features like highlighting, note-taking, searching, and glossary access, enhancing the learning experience.
• Collaboration and Open Source Principles: The project reflects a collaborative approach, utilizing content from Yishun Junior College and leveraging open source software like EJS. The materials are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike CC-BY-SA, encouraging sharing and adaptation.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

• Interactive Simulations as Pedagogical Tools: "No longer limited to static pictures to illustrate the text, now students can play and conduct mathematical modelling pedagogy developed by the Author using the Open Source Physics/Easy JavaScript Simulations." This highlights the shift from traditional textbook learning to a more interactive and engaging approach.
• Focus on User Experience: The document mentions "improved better user interface dropdown menu" and development for "Best Android Experience" and "Best Apple Experience." This shows a strong focus on usability and ensuring optimal learning experiences on different platforms.
• Positive Student Feedback: Survey data from JC1 students reveals positive feedback, with students finding the e-book useful for visualization and making learning more interesting.
• Use as Supplementary Material: While student feedback suggests the e-book should not replace lecture notes entirely, they find it valuable as supplementary material for clarification and deeper understanding.
• Highlight of 3D Geostationary Satellite Model: The survey data indicates that the 3D geostationary satellite model is the most popular simulation among students, highlighting the effectiveness of interactive 3D models for complex concepts.

Quotes:

• "They can flip through a book by simply sliding a finger along the bottom of the screen. Highlighting text, taking notes, searching for content, and finding definitions in the glossary are just as easy. And with all their books on a single device, students will have no problem carrying them wherever they go." - This quote emphasizes the user-friendly design and accessibility of the e-book, catering to modern learning habits.
• "The content are originally based on lectures notes from Yishun Junior College, Singapore... The content are licensed Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike CC-BY-SA, and the Open Source Physics/Easy JavaScript Simulations are licensed Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike Noncommercial CC-BY-SA-NC." - This quote underlines the collaborative and open nature of the project, encouraging knowledge sharing and resource adaptation.

Conclusion:

This source showcases a successful application of OER and interactive simulations for physics education. The development of the e-book on gravity demonstrates a commitment to enhancing student engagement and learning through accessible, interactive resources. The positive student feedback emphasizes the effectiveness of this approach and the potential for wider adoption of similar initiatives in education.

 

Interactive Gravity E-book Study Guide

Short-Answer Questions (2-3 sentences each)

1. What is the primary focus of the "epub3 e-Book on Gravity"?
2. On what devices can this interactive textbook be used?
3. Describe at least three interactive features of the e-book.
4. What is the purpose of the embedded code provided in the "Embed" section?
5. From which educational institution did the e-book's content originate?
6. Under what license(s) are the e-book's content and simulations released?
7. What are the recommended applications for optimal Android and Apple user experiences?
8. List three epub3 reader software options mentioned in the guide.
9. Who developed the Easy JavaScript Simulation Authoring Tool used in the e-book?
10. What recognition has Loo Kang WEE Lawrence received for his contributions to open source physics?

Answer Key

1. The "epub3 e-Book on Gravity" focuses on teaching Advanced Level Physics concepts related to gravity.
2. This interactive textbook can be used on both Android and iOS devices.
3. The e-book includes interactive simulations (including 3D simulations), animated pictures, static photos, and links to videos on Youtube.
4. The embedded code allows users to embed the interactive simulations from the e-book into a webpage.
5. The content of the e-book originated from lecture notes at Yishun Junior College in Singapore.
6. The content is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike CC-BY-SA, and the simulations are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike Noncommercial CC-BY-SA-NC.
7. For the best Android experience, the PlayBook download is recommended, launching simulations in the Chrome browser in full screen. For Apple users, the iBook download on iPads is optimal, with simulations launching within or outside the iBook.
8. Three epub3 reader software options mentioned include Gitden Reader App, Apple iBook app, and Readium.
9. Francisco Esquembre authored the Easy JavaScript Simulation Authoring Tool.
10. Loo Kang WEE Lawrence has received awards such as the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize, the Singapore Public Service PS21 Distinguished Star Service Award, and awards for Best Ideator and Best Innovator from the Ministry of Education, Singapore.

Essay Questions

1. Discuss the pedagogical benefits and challenges of using interactive e-books like the "epub3 e-Book on Gravity" in physics education.
2. Analyze the survey data presented in the "Survey Data" section. What conclusions can be drawn about student perceptions of the e-book's usefulness and potential as a replacement for traditional lecture notes?
3. Compare and contrast the features and functionality of the "epub3 e-Book on Gravity" with other physics learning resources, such as traditional textbooks, online simulations, and video lectures.
4. Evaluate the impact of open source initiatives and Creative Commons licensing on the accessibility and dissemination of educational resources like this interactive e-book.
5. How does the "epub3 e-Book on Gravity" exemplify the integration of technology and pedagogy to enhance student engagement and learning in physics?

Glossary of Key Terms

• epub3: An open e-book standard developed by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF), known for its support of interactive content and multimedia.
• Open Source Physics: A project focused on creating and sharing open-source physics simulations and educational materials.
• Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJS): A free and open-source tool used to create interactive physics simulations that can be embedded in web pages.
• Interactive Simulations: Computer-based models that allow users to manipulate variables and observe the effects on a system, promoting active learning and exploration.
• Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike (CC-BY-SA): A type of copyright license that allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the original creation and license new creations under the identical terms.
• Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike Noncommercial (CC-BY-SA-NC): Similar to CC-BY-SA but prohibits commercial use of the work.
• iTunes U: A part of the iTunes Store that allows educational institutions to distribute their educational content, including e-books, to students and faculty.
• iBook: Apple's e-book reader application available on iOS devices.
• Google Play Books: Google's e-book platform and reader application available on Android and other devices.
• Mathematical Modeling Pedagogy: A teaching approach that emphasizes the use of mathematical models to represent and understand physical phenomena.

 

Take the survey!

https://goo.gl/forms/DpyycQ7D9EOMyXt72 please do not key in passwords or any sensitive data about yourself. The real time survey results in available here

Latest Version Download

Digital Library

1. 20170803gravity.epub updated with better simulations
2. 20161216gravity.epub after Dropbox Public folder fail and added sound API
3. 20161208gravity.epub after Professor Felix Singapore visit and end of year review.
4. 20160707gravity.epub after IJC's bug fix for Newton's Mountain Model 8,8.1,8.2 South Pole to be correct, Binary stars with draggable velocities for more open exploration
5. 20160701gravity.epub after YJC's review, has better design, new 2 mass simulations, and the 3D kepler's system requested by YJC.
6. 20160526gravity.epub improved better user interface dropdown menu, bug fix for gravity11g

  (browse)

1. iBook (require any of the 51 countries supported by ibook, excluding Singapore iTunes account, please use the Digital Library copy link above )
2. Google Gbook Book

Older versions

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About

This interactive Gravity Advanced Level Physics chapter textbook works on both Android and iOS, offering a gorgeous, full-screen experience full of 15+ interactive simulations even 3D are available at the 3D geostationary orbits simulation, animated pictures and static photos, and links to videos on Youtube. No longer limited to static pictures to illustrate the text, now students can play and conduct mathematical modelling pedagogy developed by the Author using the Open Source Physics/Easy JavaScript Simulations. They can flip through a book by simply sliding a finger along the bottom of the screen. Highlighting text, taking notes, searching for content, and finding definitions in the glossary are just as easy. And with all their books on a single device, students will have no problem carrying them wherever they go.

The content are originally based on lectures notes from Yishun Junior College, Singapore.

photo from Leong Tze Kwang.

The content are licensed Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike CC-BY-SA, and the Open Source Physics/Easy JavaScript Simulations are licensed Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike Noncommercial CC-BY-SA-NC.

If you are having problem getting this interactive textbook, try this link https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/physics/02-newtonian-mechanics/08-gravity/153-epub3-gravity

 

For Teachers

Best Android Experience: PlayBook download with links to simulation launch in Chrome browser full screen.

Best Apple Experience: iBook download with iPads, simulations launch out or in ibook itself.

To submit to Google, use this link https://play.google.com/books/publish/u/0/a/481254498767217628#list/status%3Alive_on_google_play

To submit to Apple, use the iTune Producer App on iMac

Software Requirements

epub3 reader such as

Google Play Store Android Gitden Reader App,

Apple iBook app

ChromeWeb Extension for computer

1. 1st choice Readiator EPUB Reader offered by shenzhuxi
2. 2nd choice Readium offered by readium.org 

Credits

Francisco Esquembre, author of Easy JavaScript Simulation Authoring Tool, an Open Source Physics project.

Loo Kang WEE Lawrence is currently educational technology specialist II at the Ministry of Education, Singapore. His open source physics contribution garner awards including UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education 2015, Singapore Public Service PS21 Distinguished Star Service Award 2014 and Best Ideator 2012, Ministry of Education, Singapore, Best Innovator Award 2013 and Excellence Service Award 2012.

Leong Tze Kwang photographer for the cover page of chapter.

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Survey Data

Survey results on Gravitation ebook from JC1 seniors workshop on 15 Oct 2015
Sample size:	15
S/no	Questions	Answers
1	How useful is this ebook, on a scale from 1 - 10?	7.27
2	Would you use this ebook, on a scale from 1 - 10?	6.4
	Why?	Useful for easy visualisation
		Learning become more interesting [2]
		Better than boring lessons as this is more interactive [2]
		Very interesting and good for concept but once is enough for understanding
		Easier to visualise  as compared to paper but may not be able to understand fully the use of each function
		Prefer lecture notes but this may come in handy when I need clarification
		Might be difficult to use but it is helpful for students to understand better
		Useful but boring
		Might not have additional time to use it
		Not a system I am used to
		A little time-consuming
		I may not know how to use certain SIM and hence not using it
		The SIM is repetitive and the content is heavy
3	Should we replace lecture notes with this ebook?	Yes [3]; No [12]
	Why?	Definitely gives a clearer explanation
		It is more interactive
		Environmentally friendly and useful
		Not everyone has a iPAD or tablet. I prefer paper. [4]
		It should be supplementary/additional learning material, not to replace notes [5]
		Lectures notes are more informative
4	Which is your favourite SIM?	3D Geostationary satellite model [14]
		Binary stars model

 

 

Gravity Ebook FAQ

1. What is the Gravity ebook?

This interactive ebook covers Advanced Level Physics concepts related to gravity. It works on Android and iOS devices, offering a full-screen experience with interactive simulations (including 3D), animations, photos, and links to YouTube videos. This dynamic approach goes beyond static images, enabling students to engage in mathematical modeling and explore complex concepts through interactive simulations.

2. What are the benefits of using the Gravity ebook?

The Gravity ebook offers several benefits over traditional textbooks:

• Interactive simulations: Students can manipulate variables and observe the effects in real-time, leading to deeper understanding.
• Engaging multimedia: Animations, photos, and videos provide diverse learning experiences.
• Accessibility: The ebook works on various devices, allowing students to learn on the go.
• Mathematical modeling: Interactive simulations promote the development of mathematical modeling skills.

3. Can the Gravity ebook replace traditional lecture notes?

While the ebook is a valuable learning tool, it is not intended to replace lecture notes entirely. It should be used as a supplementary resource to enhance understanding and engagement. Traditional lecture notes provide a comprehensive foundation, while the ebook offers a dynamic and interactive way to visualize and explore concepts.

4. What software do I need to access the Gravity ebook?

You will need an epub3 reader to access the ebook. Recommended options include:

• Android: Gitden Reader App (Google Play Store)
• Apple: iBook app
• Computer: Chrome Web Extension for epub3

5. What are some of the interactive simulations included in the ebook?

The ebook features over 15 interactive simulations, covering topics like:

• Geostationary orbits (3D)
• Newton's Mountain and escape velocity
• Gravitational fields and potential
• Binary star systems
• Kepler's laws of planetary motion

6. What is the most popular simulation among students?

According to a survey, the 3D Geostationary satellite model is the most popular simulation among students.

7. Who created the Gravity ebook?

The content is based on lecture notes from Yishun Junior College in Singapore. The interactive simulations were developed using Open Source Physics/Easy JavaScript Simulations. The project was led by Loo Kang WEE Lawrence, an educational technology specialist, and credits are given to various contributors, including photographer Leong Tze Kwang.

8. Is the Gravity ebook free to use?

Yes, the content is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike CC-BY-SA. The Open Source Physics/Easy JavaScript Simulations are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareALike Noncommercial CC-BY-SA-NC. This means the ebook is free to use and share, but commercial use of the simulations requires permission.