Study On Computer Simulation Assisted College Physics Instruction

With the fast development of computer technology and scientific calculation, computer simulation techniques have become new approaches for physics research, as well as experimental method and theoretical analysis. The application of computer simulation in physics research and education will make a far-reaching sense. Especially in college physics instruction, computer can perform the calculation rapidly and show the demonstrations of physics process, which couldn't be carried out in the traditional classroom. It is effective both in instruction intensification and development of students' interest, thinking and creativity in science inquiry.The thesis is divided into three main parts as follows:The first part is general discussion about computer simulation assisted instruction. The study goal and significance is brought out in Chapter One, based on the introduction of the background and current situation. Chapter Two introduces the conception of computer simulation and the types in the instruction. The external conception of computer simulation is also discussed that it should be a pattern of CAI, a kind of computer application program and a powerful tool for scientific discovery learning. Chapter Three analyses the significance inspiration of three kinds of modern learning theory and four principles for simulation in CAI courseware design.The second part is the study and discussion of the development and application of computer simulation in college physics. Combined with the feature of college physics and the author's practice in simulation development, Chapter Four summarizes the tools and techniques and gives out a general development process, which may be benefic for development of computer simulation for college physics instruction. The way of importing the physics simulation is also discussed in this part.The third part introduces two representative samples developed by the author. One is a 3D simulation of electrostatic field using VB combined with OpenGL. The other is a dynamic demonstration of oscillating electric dipole, which is developed with the math-software Maple, showing the complete way to solve the difficult physics problem.