Discovering physics with microcomputers

This paper describes the development and evaluation of CAL software developed for the Open University course “S271—Discovering Physics”. The programs are used by students at week-long summer schools which combine the practical experience of doing physics experiments with remedial tutorial sessions. A wide range of computer tutorials, simulated experiments and tutorial simulations as well as programs to enhance traditional physics experiments were produced. The software was implemented on the TERAK 8510/a graphics microcomputer. The project incorporated the development of an “implementation system” (called OASIS) based on UCSD Pascal to simplify such aspects as text layout, response parsing and graphics. An important part of the project was a program of testing and evaluation by staff and students at a week long summer schoolin 1981. Reactions to the programs were assessed using log sheets, interviews and questionnaires (both written and interactive using a microcomputer) as well as direct observation. The software and the associated printed material were completely redesigned on the basis of the results of this study. Another outcome of the evaluation was the acquisition of knowledge of how students use the CAL software in the environment of a physics summer school.