Neville (Bill) Reay of Ohio State University “My Corner of Physics Education Research; Clickers & Beyond”
Bill demonstrated how to use clickers for a simple survey of current occupation. Some features include a timer once the question is revealed and a graph is displayed with the results of the clickers. There are benefits of using clickers including active learning to the classroom by providing
– Constructivist approach to active learning
– Series of visual steps
– Cognitive conflict stimulating dialogue
– Real time assessments
The success of clickers depends on the questions asked! Research based concept question sequences can be used to assess the same concepts with different surface features (different entity, different situation, different representation). Bill demonstrated a progression of questions on circuits that progressively increased in difficulty that requires students to think while the professor does not have to lecture.
Through a study clickers were assessed on their ability to progress student learning. Surveys have shown that students enjoy using clickers because they feel more involved in the course and feel that the clickers help them learn. Studies done by the Ohio State University show that across the board, class averages showed higher post-test scores and higher end of class grades with clickers than identical classes that did not use clickers.
The main hypothesis of the study was that using problems synthesizing concepts that are widely-separated in the teaching timeline and using conceptually based questions as scaffolding (two questions followed by a synthesis problem) with repeated training can develop expert-like problems solving skills in students. CDs were made available that had sample clicker publications and relevant publications. The materials will soon be linked here.
Ken Crawford, “The Universe from my Backyard”
Ken discussed how his interest in astronomy began and continued into astrophotography. There are several organizations that have telescope farms with remote access available for teachers. Light pollution is an increasing problem in the United States and makes photographing the stars difficult. Ken continued by discussing specific difficulties in capturing photos, including the exposure time, tracking, equipment etc.
Ken uses several different software manipulations in order to reduce noise, remove atmosphere, sharpen the image, etc. The representative colors are assigned to images in order to make the image detail easier to view and also more engaging. Many of Ken’s fabulous images were shared as he discussed how the images have been created and compiled from multiple images. Ken is also the President of the Advanced Imaging Conference, Inc. Ken’s website is: www.imagingdeepsky.com. You can also sign up to receive emailed images before they are published here.
Several animations of astronomical events are available free for download on the internet. Ken suggested the following websites:
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