United States

At Western Washington University, labs for the calculus- and algebra-based physics courses were converted to an online format for Spring quarter 2020 in response to the COVID crisis. Two different implementation formats were used. One involved required synchronous lab sessions facilitated by a TA, a lab worksheet that served as a learning resource but was not a graded assignment, and a subsequent postlab quiz based on the lab worksheet. The other involved an optional synchronous lab session, a lab worksheet that was collected and graded as a required assignment from each student, and no postlab. In this talk, we describe these formats, report on student participation rates and engagement levels, and share student self-reports of learning value and enjoyment from identical surveys administered for each format. We find that leaving synchronous participation optional resulted in substantially lower participation rates.

AAPT SM 20

Comparison of student participation and experience for two online lab formats

online lab

optional or required synchronous lab

student engagement

Join AAPT and Physics Educators worldwide in developing and strengthening your professional connections by attending the 2021 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting. AAPT meetings are a great way to reflect on your teaching, recommit to best practices and re-energize your career with new research, products, and techniques.

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AAPT SM 21

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The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. The program featured plenary speakers, sessions, workshops and many special activities.

For more information please visit the 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting page at: https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/SM2020/index.cfm.


The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. 

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Comparison of student participation and experience for two online lab formats

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Case Study on the Computational Experiences of High School Physics Students

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