Multimedia representation of experiments in physics
Jürgen Kirstein, Volkhard Nordmeier · European Journal of Physics · 2007
In most physics courses using multimedia, real experiments are represented as digital video demonstrations. These time-based media have the disadvantage that students are often in the state of passive learners. Also, traditional multimedia learning environments only allow for the selection of different digitized media, but the learning process is not supported through interactions within these media. More suitable representations of real experiments in multimedia systems force students to manipulate the experimental setup directly and authentically within a digital photo. We refer to this new type of representation as an ‘interactive screen experiment’ (ISE). The question concerning the didactic ‘increase in value’ through ISEs in the teaching and learning of physics has been a central issue in didactic research for an extended time. One of our research goals is the development of multimedia components like ISEs for the purpose of creating a learning environment that relates to a practical, realistic experimental context. This paper will review our research on ISEs since 1996 and will discuss the experience gained with respect to new instructional approaches with multimedia applications in physics education.