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Is this MOOC an introduction to Physics or Magic? Here's calling all curious minds from every corner of the globe to join us to learn physics via science demonstrations which are exciting, visually appealing and thought provoking. In this MOOC, you'll get to witness how demonstrations can add reality and vividness to the process of concept formation, and pick up one or two scientific nuggets along the way.


Instructor: Prof Sow Chorng Haur

What you'll learn:

Learners acquire the physics concepts that can explain the physical phenomenon presented. It is the intention of this module that the concepts acquired by the learners do not stop at the surface level. Instead, the learners should acquire deeper insights into the concepts discussed. We aim to achieve this by designing the learning experience to start with the most basic and then move on to the next intermediate level and then to the higher level. There will also be “counter-intuitive moment” to challenge the knowledge of the learners.
Learners develop knowledge in a systematic self-discovery manner where they are constantly required to make sense of the phenomenon and thus forming the theoretical framework/model that can provide a good account of the observed phenomenon.
By doing so, learners will acquire deductive and logical inference process during the formulation of the model to explain what they have seen.

Background

Town Plaza (TP) Global Learning Room had an analogue based audio-video (av) system which was installed in 2010. Because of its tiered layout, dual screens, confidence monitors and lecture recording capabilities, beside being used as a teaching venue, it is also used for events such as conferences and symposiums.

Scope of Work

Installed in 2010, infrastructure was ugraded to digital signals. Other upgrading works included replacing the teaching console, installing a writable projection whiteboard, confidence monitors, full high definition pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, ceiling microphones for hands-free instructor and student participation and allowing remote teaching and learning by converting this to a Zoom Room.

a) Teaching console

The teaching console is customized to allow user ample space to place their document files or notebook.

b) Writable Projection Whiteboards with Short-throw Projectors

Short throw, lamp less-based projectors and writable projection whiteboards were installed.

c) Confidence Monitors

Two 55-inch LED Monitors were installed in the room to allow better viewing for the instructor. These allow the instructor to view the contents being displayed to students. By having two large displays, it allows versatility as two different contents can be shared at once. It also provide for dynamic and interactive teaching approach.

d) Full HD PTZ Cameras

Digital Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras were installed for higher definition recording during hybrid mode.

Front Cam – Student View

Back Cam – Lecturer’s View

e) Beamform Ceiling Microphones

To provide hands free audio support for both the instructor and students, the beamform ceiling microphones were installed in replace with the obsolete condenser ceiling microphones. The ceiling beamform microphones offered high quality audio capture and distribution. They were installed flush with the ceiling providing an unobtrusive and streamlined appearance.

   

f) Zoom Room

To further support hybrid mode of during lessons, Zoom Room was included in this installation. Some important features using Zoom Room is that it enables user to start a Zoom meeting with minimal fuss.

Zoom Room offers interactive features such as virtual whiteboards, chat functionality, polling and breakout rooms. These tools can enhance student engagement and promote collaborative learning.

Another highlight would be the screen sharing content. Both lecturers and students can ‘share screen’ their slideshows or documents in the room wirelessly and without connecting into the zoom meeting session. This promote an interactive and inclusive learning environment.