The traditional professor-lecture-chalkboard teaching approach is disappearing in college physics classrooms and is being replaced by active learning strategies using microcomputers and video technology.  This change is helping community college students develop a stronger understanding of classical and contemporary physics.

Susan Harriman, Instructor of Physics, participated in a series of nationwide workshops focusing on the use of computer simulations to enhance student understanding of physics.

At a community college physics faculty development program sponsored by Joliet Junior College (IL), Lee College (TX), and the National Science Foundation, held April 30-May 2 at Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, NY, professor Harriman attended the workshop "Constructing and Integrating Microcomputer Simulations in Introductory College-Level Physics Courses."  The participants included community college physics educators representing colleges in Missouri, Ohio, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas and New York.

The workshop allowed participants to gain experience and insight by being exposed to a variety of well-designed physics simulations and tools.  Professor Harriman focused on the creation of effective simulations and how to blend these into an active learning environment at Vol State, thus helping students to achieve a stronger understanding of physics.

"The task of updating science education programs at community colleges is important for the nation and for science because of the large number of students, particularly women and minorities, who attend community colleges and who need to be exposed to and gain experience with current technology.  Community colleges need effective and efficient physics educational programs, " according to Dr. Curtis Hieggelke of Joliet Junior College.