29th January 2007

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Innovative online learning resources aimed at encouraging greater participation in Maths, Engineering and Science have been developed by University of Ulster mathematicians in close collaboration with academics across the European Union.
 
Emeritus Professor Ken Houston, Dr Mark McCartney and Dr Neville Neill developed the materials as part of the EU funded LEPLA project (Learning Environment for Physics Laboratory Activities). 

Anyone can access the resource material which includes a free CD and booklet by simply logging on to www.lepla.org and registering.

Dr McCartney, who is based at the University's Jordanstown campus, explains that the LEPLA project combines web based resources and hand held technology to provide relevant, simple, but non-trivial, physics experiments with all the necessary support materials to help set up the experiments and then analyse the results.

 In case a student has difficulty making measurements, specimen data are provided for analysis. The underlying theory is explained and, if appropriate, extension work and directions to other experiments within the LEPLA website are provided. Materials are available in English, Italian, Swedish, German, French and Polish.

“The resources are targeted at students and educators not only of physics, but also of applied mathematics and engineering studying at upper sixth form level at school and first year undergraduate level. They are interactive and user friendly and are designed to help ease the transition from school to university.” 

Dr McCartney said that as a result of widening access policies, many universities, including UU, had first year undergraduate classes of mixed ability.
“For example, some students may have a robust knowledge of calculus while others struggle with basic algebra. 
"The LEPLA project materials can be used to increase the variety of teaching techniques available in the classroom and guide students through a range of experiments of varying levels of difficulty, allowing them learn at a speed appropriate to their ability and previous knowledge.”

He added: “Students can not only learn about mathematics, engineering and physics but they will also have an opportunity to develop transferable skills such as independent learning, group work and written and oral communication.”

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young