Name: Integrating Interactive 3D Physics Simulations into Open Educational Resources and Textbooks
Start: 2026-10-09T16:15:00-0400
End: 2026-10-09T16:30:00-0400

All sessions are available online except round tables, special activities, and workshops.

Integrating Interactive 3D Physics Simulations into Open Educational Resources and Textbooks

Friday October 9, 2026 4:15pm - 4:30pm EDT

Video

ID: 32762

Physics is often seen as abstract and difficult, especially when students only learn from static text and equations. In my teaching experience, many students struggle to visualize what is really happening. This session introduces 3JCN Physics Simulation, a free online platform with over 330 interactive 3D simulations that help make complex physics concepts easier to understand through visualization and interaction.In this session, I will share how I use these simulations in my classes and how they can be integrated into open educational resources (OER) and physics textbooks. Instead of only reading formulas, students can change parameters, observe results, and build intuition step by step. This approach helps connect theory with real physical meaning and supports different learning styles.I will demonstrate several simulations from topics such as mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. I will also show simple ways to embed these simulations into online materials or digital textbooks without requiring advanced programming skills.This work is based on my experience teaching physics for more than 20 years, where I have seen that visualization and interaction can significantly improve student understanding. I will also briefly discuss teaching strategies such as active learning and using simulations for concept exploration and discussion.Participants will leave with practical ideas on how to use interactive simulations in their own teaching. All simulations are freely available, and I hope this work can support wider access to quality physics education around the world.I welcome feedback, ideas, and possible collaboration from the open education community.

Speakers

Thomas Nguyen

Adjunct Physics Instructor, Palomar College

Thomas Nguyen is an adjunct physics instructor in San Diego, California, with over 20 years of teaching experience in the United States and Vietnam. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and two master’s degrees in physics and computer science. Thomas specializes in developing... Read More →

Friday October 9, 2026 4:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
Video

Lightning Talk (View Anytime)

Speaker Modality Online
Track Innovating Open Content to Democratize Knowledge

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OEGlobal 2026

Thomas Nguyen

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Thomas Nguyen

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