Mr. Whittaker presented his updated version of PhysicsLessons.com which is expanding the frontiers of Web-based science education. One of the new highlights include an enhanced computer-simulations section in iPhysics.

To make the system even more useful and convenient, he has installed a new section called Speed-Reference. Speed-Reference includes features such as a scientific calculator for use right on the screen for the student or the teacher. This is also attached to a pull down help section that is a cornucopia of information for the physics student. It has an interactive Periodic Table with comparative data for each element, a list of commonly employed constants in Physics, a list of standard Physic’s formulae, and most notably, a system for converting SI and English units as needed.

Also he has even done some virtual classroom sessions with students at home on-line and receiving information directly from him in the school.

Anyone could dismiss a new idea as ‘gee-whiz’, but here, I think, there is a lot of room for consideration. Items such as these can create the chance for teachers and students to communicate in a new manner outside the classroom. It could create new opportunities for researching questions in Physics and even taking tests. Think, for example, of comparing computer simulations to actual lab experiences and then having the students explain and explore ways to make the real closer to the ideal. Beyond numeric output for a test, students can then write responses about the apparent relations between controls and variables when you have them run data sets in these simulations. This allows for individualized learning too.