The American Journal of Physics seeks contributed manuscripts for a special theme issue on "Computation and Computer-Based Instruction," to be published in early 2008. The purpose of this issue is to promote innovation in all aspects and at all levels of teaching with computers including the integration of computational physics research into teaching. Examples of appropriate topics include innovations in incorporating computational physics in both teaching and research, historical developments of special importance to computational physics, applications of computational physics to other areas of physics and even to other disciplines, the impact of computation and computer modeling (including classroom-tested simulations and visualizations) on student understanding. Manuscripts that include suggested novel computation projects or problems and the assessment of the impact of this material on student learning are especially encouraged.
Consistent with AJP's general editorial policy, manuscripts that are primarily a rederivation of well known results are unlikely to be appropriate for publication in this theme issue. To ensure consideration for the theme issue, manuscripts should be received by September 15, 2007. Authors should indicate their interest in having their manuscript considered for the theme issue. Authors who have already submitted manuscripts may indicate their interest with a letter or message to the Editor. Manuscripts should be submitted in the usual way to AJP, and the same process of review will be used as with regular submissions.
Questions or suggestions about the theme issue can be addressed to the theme issue editors, Wolfgang Christian (wochristian@davidson.edu) and Brad Ambrose (ambroseb@gvsu.edu), and the assistant editors, Chandralekha Singh (clsingh@pitt.edu) and Enrique J. Galvez (Egalvez@mail.colgate.edu).
The 2008 Gordon Conference on Physics Research and Education will also concentrate on Computation and Computer-Based Instruction. The conference will be held June 8 - 13, 2008 at Bryant University, Smithfield, RI. The editors and assistant editors of the theme issue can provide additional details about the Conference.
AMERICAN JOURNAL of PHYSICS
Online Journal aapt.org/ajp
Jan Tobochnik, Editor
Harvey Gould, Associate Editor
Keegan O'Connor, Assistant to the Editor ajp@kzoo.edu
269-337-5802
Kalamazoo College
1200 Academy St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
A recent editorial by Jan Tobochnik in the American Journal of Physics provides useful advice for authors writing articles on using computers in physics education. [Download Editorail]