![](https://editlib-media.s3.amazonaws.com/sources/irrodl.jpg)
Can a Hands-On Physics Project Lab be Delivered Effectively as a Distance Lab?
ARTICLE
Firas Moosvi, Stefan Reinsberg, Georg Rieger
IRRODL Volume 20, Number 1, ISSN 1492-3831 Publisher: Athabasca University Press
Abstract
In this article, we examine whether an inquiry-based, hands-on physics lab can be delivered effectively as a distance lab. In science and engineering, hands-on distance labs are rare and open-ended project labs in physics have not been reported in the literature. Our introductory physics lab at a large Canadian research university features hands-on experiments that can be performed at home with common materials and online support, as well as a capstone project that serves as the main assessment of the lab. After transitioning the lab from face-to-face instruction to a distance format, we compared the capstone project scores of the two lab formats by conducting an analysis of variance, which showed no significant differences in the overall scores. However, our study revealed two areas that need improvements in instruction, namely data analysis and formulating a clear goal or research question. Focus group interviews showed that students in the distance lab did not perceive the capstone project as authentic science and that they would have preferred a campus lab format. Overall our results suggest that the distance project lab discussed here might be an acceptable substitute for a campus lab and might also be suitable for other distance courses in science.
Citation
Moosvi, F., Reinsberg, S. & Rieger, G. (2019). Can a Hands-On Physics Project Lab be Delivered Effectively as a Distance Lab?. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 20(1),. Athabasca University Press. Retrieved August 7, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/208058/.
© 2019 Athabasca University Press
References
View References & Citations Map- Abbott, H. (1998). Action@Distance: Using web and take-home labs. The Physics Teacher, 36(7), 399402.
- Brinson, J.R. (2015). Learning outcome achievement in non-traditional (virtual and remote) versus
- Etkina, E., Murthy, S., & Zou, X. (2006). Using introductory labs to engage students in experimental design. American Journal of Physics, 74, 979-986.
- Hallyburton, C.L., & Lunsford, E. (2013). Challenges and opportunities for learning biology in distance-based settings. Bioscene: Journal of College Biology Teaching, 39(1), 27-33. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1020526
- Holmes, N.G., & Wieman, C.E. (2018). Introductory physics labs: We can do better. Physics Today, 71(1), 38.
- Lang, J. (2012). Comparative study of hands-on and remote physics labs for first year university level physics students. Transformative Dialogues: Teaching and Learning Journal, 6(1), 1-25.
- Ma, J., & Nickerson, J.V. (2006). Hands-on, simulated, and remote laboratories: A comparative literature review. ACM Computing Surveys, 38(3), 1-24. Http://doi.acm.org/
- Mawn, M.V., Carrico, P., Charuk, K., Stote, K.S., & Lawrence, B. (2011). Hands-on and online: scientific explorations through distance learning. Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and eLearning, 26(2), 135-146. Http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02680513.2011.567464
- Morgil, I., Gungor-Seyhan, H., Ural-Alsan, E., & Temel, S. (2008). The effect of web-based project
- National Science Teachers Association (2019). NSTA Position Statement: The Integral Role of Laboratory Investigations in Science Instruction. Retrieved from https://www.nsta.org/about/positions/laboratory.aspx
- Pyatt, K., & Sims, R. (2012). Virtual and physical experimentation in inquiry-based science labs: Attitudes, performance and access. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 21(1), 133-147.
- Tatli, Z., & Ayas, A. (2012). Virtual chemistry laboratory: effect of constructivist learning environment. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 13(1), 183-199. Retrieved January 14, 2019 from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ976940
- Turner, J., & Parisi, A. (2008). A take-home physics experiment kit for on-campus and off-campus students. Teaching Science, 54(2), 20-23. Retrieved from https://eprints.usq.edu.au/4377/
- Waldrop, M.M. (2013). Education online: The virtual lab. Nature, 499(7458), 268–270. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/news/education-online-the-virtuallab-1.13383
- Wieman, C. (2015). Comparative cognitive task analyses of experimental science and instructional laboratory courses. The Physics Teacher 53, 349.
These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.
Suggest Corrections to References