Interactive Simulation Tool to Help Students Blend Visuospatial and Conceptual Elements While Learning Electromagnetic Induction
摘要
Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) is a phenomenon which requires learning, and systematically bringing together, many prerequisite concepts. Studies show that lecture-based methods, to teach these concepts, are not sufficient to support the learning of the dynamic nature of electromagnetic phenomena particularly the learning of imperceptible elements such as the nature of flux and the interaction between a magnet and a conducting coil. The challenges lie in the effectively capturing this complex and multimodal conceptual structure. In this article, we present a novel simulation tool designed to aid students in blending the different visuospatial and conceptual elements involved in EMI. Our interactive tool allows students to explore the magnetic field and the magnetic flux through a coil as the distance between magnet and coil changes. It incorporates several key features, such as a three dimensional view of the scene, buttons for movement, display of current, magnetic flux change and a graphical representation of the induced current. Our methodology involved iterative development and testing, incorporating feedback from educators to refine the tool’s usability and educational effectiveness. We outline some of the challenges in developing the system, and its advantages and limitations. We also outline the ongoing and planned studies based on the simulation tool.