Applying POE framework in a simulation system for facilitating physics learning with Tablet PCs

Abstract

This study attempts to propose a model integrating real videos into the development of simulations on iPads to support students’ science learning about motions based on Predict, Observation and Explanation (POE) framework. Motion examples in videos embedded in the simulation were employed to assist students in contrasting stimulated phenomena and real-world cases for meaning making about force and motion. A preliminary study found that the students, who were given with the video clips, exhibited significantly higher frequencies of modeling (manipulating variables to simulate the movement) and replaying (watching the simulation) than those who were not given with the videos while dealing with complex motion. Such a result suggest that integrating video clips into the simulation could be helpful to stimulate students’ involvements in reviewing and revising the simulation while exploring more complex concepts.