An Open and Interactive Multimedia e-Learning Module for Graphing Kinematics

The ability to create, interpret and derive kinematics quantities from graphs are important skills for students in introductory physics classes. Despite the importance, there have been several studies that document students' difficulties in mastering these skills even after completing an introductory physics course. While there is a plethora of open educational learning materials devoted to kinematics, to the best of our knowledge, there have been very few open and interactive materials specifically designed to improve students' understanding of kinematic graphs. In this paper, we describe the development and application of an open and interactive multimedia physics e-learning module. The module, which is geared towards pre-college and first year college students with little prior knowledge of physics, aims to improve students understanding of kinematics; and their ability to create, interpret and determine kinematic quantities from position-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs. In this first trial we utilise the module as a supplement to traditional instruction in kinematics; however, the module can be delivered as a full stand-alone substitution for traditional instruction. Using the Test of Understanding Graphs in Kinematics (TUG-K) test, with students selected from The College of The Bahamas, we test the efficacy of this module to improve students understanding of kinematic graphs.