The ILI request results from a two and one-half year MVCC Physical Science Department "pilot program". This program involves the laboratory development and testing of microcomputer-based applications to improve the physics laboratory experience and further enhance the students' critical thinking skills. Our objectives are to: (1) modernize performance of certain traditional experiments, (2) provide a platform for Introducing certain cognitive based learning experiences, (3) stimulate learning and creative thinking by the use of numerical based open-ended simulation exercises, and (4) expose students to emerging physics based technologies important to their curricula. Our objectives are being accomplished by the creation of a "state of the art" fully networked Macintosh based physics lab. Eight (8) workstations have been set up in the physics laboratory and are being used to accomplish our objectives. New laboratories and instructional techniques are being developed to integrate the latest in Engineering Physics, General Physics, Descriptive Astronomy, and Photographic Science technologies. Our long range goal is to develop a multi-disciplinary course structure to meet the emerging demands of our four-year transfer institutions.
