Technical Details

Synchronous Communication

These are to be handled through standard utilities provided by conventional learning management systems (Moodle, Blackboard, etc.).

Mathematical Expressions

This is an essential part of calc-based physics, as well as of other technical courses. Markup language standards are not sufficiently supported or mature to use at this time. Our solution is to create high-quality image clips, rendered during authoring, using LaTeX and MathType.

Interactive Components

These parts of the course are delivered as Shockwave movies, which enable numerous methods of branched delivery, depending on student input. This includes a drawing tool that renders JPG files for sharing.

Simulated Social Interactions

These are managed through Shockwave movies that interact with PHP scripts, accessing an SQL database of stored student responses.

Complex Simulations

Elaborate mechanics scenarios and data analysis environments are covered by commercial software, including Logger Pro (Vernier Software), which will be distributed to students through site licensing, and Interactive Physics (Knowledge Revolution), which is used to produce QuickTime movie clips