In order to analyse in full detail the dynamics of a charged particle in the field of a magnetic
dipole, we propose to study the restricted motion of the particle in a spherical surface with the
dipole at its centre. This model can be considered as t…

In this article we have solved a hypothetical problem related to the stability and gross properties
of two-dimensional self-gravitating stellar objects using the Thomas–Fermi model. The formalism
presented here is an extension of the standard three…

We examine the theory of the hurricane balls toy. This toy consists of two steel balls, welded
together that are sent spinning on a horizontal surface somewhat like a top. Unlike a top, at high
frequency the symmetry axis approaches a limiting inclin…

We generalize the derivation of electromagnetic fields of a charged particle moving with a constant
acceleration Singal (2011 Am. J. Phys. 79 [http://dx.doi.org/10.1119/1.3620257] 1036 ) to a variable
acceleration (piecewise constants) over a small f…

We consider in this paper the motion of an inclined cylinder on an inclined plane. At low inclined
plane angles, the cylinder rolls without slipping across the incline, in a direction perpendicular
to its long axis. At steeper angles, long cylinders …

We obtain analytical expressions for the torques and angular speed of an induction motor with a
simple geometry, resembling the geometry of the first induction motor investigated by Arago in 1824.
The rotor is a conducting disc rotating between the m…

In order to analyse in full detail the dynamics of a charged particle in the field of a magnetic
dipole, we propose to study the restricted motion of the particle in a spherical surface with the
dipole at its centre. This model can be considered as t…

In this article we have solved a hypothetical problem related to the stability and gross properties
of two-dimensional self-gravitating stellar objects using the Thomas?Fermi model. The formalism
presented here is an extension of the standard three-d…

How can we design the shape of an object, in the framework of Newtonian gravity, in order to
generate maximum gravity at a given point in space? In this work we present a study on this
interesting problem. We obtain compact solutions for all dimensio…

The complexity of digital and online education is becoming increasingly evident in the context of research into networked learning/participation. Interdisciplinary research is often proposed as a way to address complex scientific problems and enable re…

In an era of knowledge abundance, scholars have the capacity to distribute and share ideas and artifacts via digital networks, yet networked scholarship often remains unrecognized within institutional spheres of influence. Using ethnographic methods including participant observation, interviews, and document analysis, this study investigates networks as sites of scholarship. Its purpose is to situate networked practices within Boyer’s (1990) four components of scholarship – discovery, integration, application, and teaching – and to explore them as a techno-cultural system of scholarship suited to an era of knowledge abundance. Not only does the paper find that networked engagement both aligns with and exceeds Boyer’s model for scholarship, it suggests that networked scholarship may enact Boyer’s initial aim of broadening scholarship itself through fostering extensive cross-disciplinary, public ties and rewarding connection, collaboration, and curation between individuals rather than roles or institutions.

This analysis is based upon enrolment and completion data collected for a total of 221 Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). It extends previously reported work (Jordan, 2014) with an expanded dataset; the original work is extended to include a multiple…

This study investigates online students’ acceptance of mobile learning and its influence on learning achievement using an information system success and extended technology acceptance model (TAM). Structural equation modeling was used to test the structure of individual, social, and systemic factors influencing mobile learning’s acceptance, and how said acceptance influences learning satisfaction and achievement. Unlike earlier TAM-related research that did not provide a broad view of technological acceptance and its impact on learning activities, the present study’s results highlight the relationship between behavioral intention/learning satisfaction and learning achievement. Additionally, this study tests the theoretical model of successful mobile learning by empirically accepting mobile learning management systems. The findings further imply that students at online universities have started to accept mobile technology as a new learning tool; consequently, its acceptance has influenced their learning achievement both directly and indirectly. These discoveries should facilitate a better understanding of students’ usage of mobile learning systems in higher education, and provide timely guidance for its development and implementation.

The present study aimed to examine distance learners’ goal profiles and their contrasting patterns of learning and achievements at three different points during an academic year, i.e. in the beginning of the course in relation to learners’ general orientations to learning, at the middle of the course in relation to learners’ completion of an assignment, and towards the end of the course in relation to learners’ preparation for course examination.  Two hundred seventy-six adult distance learners completed three survey questionnaires that assessed their motivation and learning at these three  learning points.  Using person-centred analytical procedures, this study located four groups of learners based on different combinations of mastery and performance-approach goals. MANOVA results have shown that multiple-goal learners (High mastery/High performance, HH) who held strong mastery and performance-approach goals used more deep and regulatory strategies and showed a higher level of learning interest across three waves of surveys than did those focusing solely on mastery (HL) or performance-approach goals (LH). However, the multiple-goal learners did not have better achievement levels compared to those focusing solely on mastery goals (HL).  Given that multiple goal learners learnt with a more engaged pattern, it is less likely that these motivated learners will drop out of distance learning courses and programs. Future studies should explore how these goals can be promoted simultaneously in distance learning.

The LINE application is often conceived as purely social space; however, the authors of this paper wanted to determine if it could be used for academic purposes. In this study, we examined how undergraduate students accepted LINE in terms of using it for classroom-related activities (e.g., submit homework, follow up course information queries, download materials) and explored the factors that might affect their intention to use it. Data were collected from 144 undergraduate students enrolled in an English course that utilized some activities based on LINE app using a questionnaire developed from TAM. Data were analyzed to see if relationships existed among factors when LINE was used to organize classroom experiences. The findings revealed that perceived usefulness and attitude toward usage had positive relationships with intention to use while perceived ease of use was positively related to perceived usefulness. In contrast with TAM assertions, this study did not find any relationship between perceived ease of use and attitude toward usage. Also, the number of social networking sites that students are using had no relationship with intention to use. The study also suggested some kinds of LINE-based learning activities preferred by students, which would be proposed for future courses. This study revealed several useful implications that TAM can be employed as a useful theoretical framework to predict and understand users’ intention to use new technologies in education.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current video collection of an open-access video website (TED-Ed).  The research questions focus on its content as evidence of development, its viewership as evidence of use, and flipping as evidence of interaction in informal learning.  In late September 2013, 686 video lessons were posted on the TED-Ed website that spanned 12 academic subject categories and 60 academic subject subcategories, as labeled and sorted on the TED-Ed website itself.  The findings of the analysis of the TED-Ed video collection indicate several gaps in the humanities, social science, and natural science academic areas in terms of the number of video lessons and viewership.  Despite the gaps in the numbers of video lessons and the viewership across those three academic areas, the areas have very similar averages of daily flipped lessons.  The future research agenda should focus on the motivation of viewers to create flipped lessons as evidence of learning in an open learning environment. 

Publication of research, innovation, challenges and successes is of critical importance to the evolution of more effective distance education programming. Publication in peer reviewed journal format is the most prestigious and the most widespread form …

Research has shown that project-based learning promotes student interest in science and improves
understanding of scientific content. Fostering student motivation is particularly important in
accelerated science and technology programmes for talented…

Mathematics plays a crucial role in physics. This role is brought about predominantly through the
building, employment, and assessment of mathematical models, and teachers and educators should
capture this relationship in the classroom in an effort t…

This article deals with a modern version of Kundt’s tube experiment. Using economic instruments and
a couple of smartphones, it is possible to ‘see’ nodes and antinodes of standing acoustic waves in a
column of vibrating air and to measure the …

In everyday praxis we often need to demonstrate measuring devices?such as thermometers, manometers
and voltmeters? with large enough displays that they can easily be read from anywhere in the
classroom. In some cases, computers with a measurement int…

This article deals with a modern version of Kundt?s tube experiment. Using economic instruments and
a couple of smartphones, it is possible to ?see? nodes and antinodes of standing acoustic waves in a
column of vibrating air and to measure the speed …

Research has shown that project-based learning promotes student interest in science and improves
understanding of scientific content. Fostering student motivation is particularly important in
accelerated science and technology programmes for talented…

The electrostatic potential is a key element of the second semester of introductory physics.
Teaching about its gravitational analog in the first semester allows students to make more
connections between the two courses. The use of a simple thought e…

Centripetal acceleration, linear and angular speeds are three mathematical quantities that are of
primary interest to analyze the uniform motion of objects in circles. The formula of centripetal
acceleration is usually derived from the difference ? V…

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Like several scientists, Isaac Newton has been represented many times over many different periods,
and portraits of Newton were often commissioned by the scientist himself. These portraits tell us a
lot about the scientist, the artist and the cultura…

A simple experiment is presented in which the spacing and geometric pattern of pixels in mobile
displays is measured. The technique is based on optical constructive interference. While the
experiment is another opportunity to demonstrate wave interfe…

In this study, an easy and enjoyable activity to determine the type of electric charge is presented,
using a readymade electronic test screw. A four-way usage of the tester is explained with an
electroscope. In the activity, ebonite and glass rods ar…

How is the other side of frosted glass seen? In other words, how does frosted glass become
transparent?

Many students regard physics as an isolated, sophisticated and perhaps a boring branch of science.
Meanwhile, physics is embedded in most events and issues of society, culture and everyday life. To
find and include such relevant contexts is one of th…

In this paper, we propose some of the strategies and methodologies for teaching high-school physics
topics through an educational robotics show. This exhibition was part of a set of actions promoted
by a Brazilian government program of incentive for …

Mathematics plays a crucial role in physics. This role is brought about predominantly through the
building, employment, and assessment of mathematical models, and teachers and educators should
capture this relationship in the classroom in an effort t…

According to the Newtonian formula for a simple pendulum, the period of a pendulum is inversely
proportional to the square root of g , the gravitational field strength. Einstein?s theory of
general relativity leads to the result that time slows down …