Computers as a modern teaching tool in physics laboratories: Advantages, barriers and keys to success

Abstract

This paper summarizes the studies that have been conducted in the past ten years by teachers around the world who have experimented with the use of computers as a teaching tool in their laboratories. There are very good reasons to include computer based laboratories although the technology is not without barriers and difficulties. Fortunately, with careful planning these difficulties can be overcome. An illustration of a commercial "Real-time" datalogging system is included.