eLearning in the Introductory Physics Lab

E-learning in Physics Lab-Courses is part of the Faculty of Physics' project called eLearnPhysik at the University of Vienna. On the one hand, a new learning environment including content-based e-learning sequences in a blended-learning setup was developed and systematically implemented into 4 introductory lab courses. All preparation and instruction material for more than 40 course-days (90 experiments) was restructured and adapted for the use of web based digital media. This is a chance for the students to improve their understanding of technical terms and physical contexts even if they are lacking previous knowledge. Our learner centered learning environment is also a chance for a constructivist way to help students with different pre-concepts of physical contexts and different educational backgrounds. For criteria-based evaluation, a case study using qualitative social research methods was accomplished and another quantitative test setup will be finished in June 2008. Furthermore, a second activity was started in December 2007 as a cooperation project aiming to reorganize the "phyiscs lab for nutritionists", using the "method of the didactical reconstruction of lab courses". To align the nutritionists' lab to their educational needs in physics, several investigations have been performed, which are the basis for the development of an adequate didactical concept including an e-learning strategy.