A Usability Study of Classical Mechanics Education Based on Hybrid Modeling: Implications for Sustainability in Learning

Rosanna E. Guadagno, Virgilio Gonzenbach, Haley Puddy, Paul Fishwick, Midori Kitagawa, Mary Urquhart, Michael Kesden, Ken Suura, Baily Hale, Cenk Koknar, Ngoc Tran, Rong Jin and Aniket Raj
Additional contact information
Rosanna E. Guadagno: Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Virgilio Gonzenbach: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Haley Puddy: School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Paul Fishwick: School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Midori Kitagawa: School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Mary Urquhart: School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Michael Kesden: School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Ken Suura: School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Baily Hale: School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Cenk Koknar: School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Ngoc Tran: Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Rong Jin: Computer Science Department, California State University, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA
Aniket Raj: Computer Information Technology Department, Lonestar College, Houston, TX 77088, USA

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 20, 1-15

Abstract: A usability study evaluated the ease with which users interacted with an author-designed modeling and simulation program called STEPP (Scaffolded Training Environment for Physics Programming). STEPP is a series of educational modules for introductory algebra-based physics classes that allow students to model the motion of an object using Finite State Machines (FSMs). STEPP was designed to teach students to decompose physical systems into a few key variables such as time, position, and velocity and then encourages them to use these variables to define states (such as running a marathon) and transitions between these states (such as crossing the finish line). We report the results of a usability study on high school physics teachers that was part of a summer training institute. To examine this, 8 high school physics teachers (6 women, 2 men) were taught how to use our simulation software. Data from qualitative and quantitative measures revealed that our tool generally exceeded teacher’s expectations across questions assessing: (1) User Experience, (2) STEM-C Relevance, and (3) Classroom Applicability. Implications of this research for STEM education and the use of modeling and simulation to enhance sustainability in learning will be discussed.

Keywords: modeling; hybrid modeling; hybrid simulation; usability; sustainability; high school education; physics education; user experience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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