Added: 11/08/2005 |
Distance learning physics courses for the university students via the InternetThe International Centre for Distance Learning (ICDL) publishes a database of UK courses and programs, taught by the distance learning. The database contains over five thousand distance learning opportunities from more than three hundred providers, a collaborative venture, led by The Open University and including the University of Leicester and the University of Reading is one of them.
The future of physics teaching is under threat in many UK universities. Devising ways of overcoming this threat through distance learning physics courses will be an important aim for this centre, which is a collaborative venture, led by The Open University and including the University of Leicester and the University of Reading. Physics departments at the three universities will work together to extend their established reputations as innovators in such areas, as a problem-based learning, skills-based laboratory teaching and multimedia teaching.
Most distance learning physics courses are available throughout Europe. Some of them are available in many other parts of the world.
The material of a distance learning physics course has maintained the traditional quality of online materials, while being adapted for a new presentation model. Special attention was paid to developing appropriate student skills, maintaining a quality control, facilitating an easy updating of material, ensuring a student interaction with the material, and making the material accessible and meaningful to a broad range of students.
The distance learning physics courses are taught by incorporating video lessons, using animation and real-world clips, modeling, computer spreadsheets and CD-ROMs with activities that guide the student learning. The Distance Learning students are required to show some familiarity with a number of basic experiments. These experiments can be carried out by the distance learners at home; however, an access to laboratory facilities is advantageous. Guidance is given in the course pack.
Each distance learning physics course lesson begins with a set of clearly stated objectives and an explanation of its place in the overall program of study. An effective learning is encouraged through frequent activities and self-assessment questions. A number of straightforward and varied practical tasks, together with simply drawn illustrations, also help prepare for the coursework element. There are tutor-marked assignments and a practice exam. No previous knowledge of physics is assumed or required.
The program of the distance learning physics course includes:
1. Electronic rates of the lectures on the listed above sections of physics with problems for self-control
2. The practical representations on a lecture material with an in-depth plan of problem solving, organized as a system of the multilevel helps
3. Control tests, composed from problems, formed by a casual image of a data base, and a program of an automatic evaluation of outcomes of work
In comparison with the standard system of correspondence tutoring, the offered program of remote tutoring submits a possibility of a fast dialogue of the student with the teacher by the Internet. An electronic training tool allows visually and colorfully to present an investigated material and to select desirable rate of its assimilation.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
