SToMP: A Dynamic Approach to Courseware

SToMP (Software Teaching of Modular Physics) is a comprehensive software package designed for use in introductory level undergraduate physics. It provides the student with carefully written scripts augmented with activities, simulated experiments, references, glossary, historical material, and media clips which are displayed in an easy-to-use format exploiting the multi-windows computer environment. The material includes selfand assessed-tests for each module and an array of tools (calculator, spreadsheet, grapher etc.) which can be accessed from any point within the package. Two modules have been completed to date: Measurement and Uncertainty, and Waves and Vibrations. Other modules are in various stages ofpreparation. This paper looks at the pedagogic rational for the SToMP system, and discusses modes of integration into existing courses. The system is dynamic, and is able to subsume new developments, some of which are described.