WebTOP: web-based interactive 3D optics and waves' simulations. (20th April 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mzoughi, Taha; Foley, John T.; Herring, S. Davis; Morris, Matt; , Ben Wyser
• Is Part Of: International journal of continuing engineering education and lifelong learning. Volume 15:Number 1/2(2005)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2005-04-20
• Subjects: optics -- waves -- simulation -- VRML -- Java -- physics education -- undergraduate -- introductory physics -- interactive computer graphics -- higher education -- teaching -- learning -- internet -- online learning -- e-learning; Engineering -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 620.00715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1560-4624

Abstract

WebTOP is a three-dimensional, interactive computer graphics system developed at the Mississippi State University to help students learn about optics and waves. It has been used to help teach undergraduate introductory physics and upper-level optics classes. WebTOP is designed to be flexible, allowing faculty and students to use it in a variety of ways. It can be used for homework, classroom demonstrations, laboratories, and online tutorials. Currently, it comprises sixteen modules spanning eight different subject areas. The subject areas are waves, geometrical optics, reflection and refraction, polarisation, interference, diffraction, lasers, and scattering. This paper provides an overview of WebTOP, a description of each of the current modules, as well as outline of WebTOP's use for teaching and learning.