The difficulties that many pupils show in understanding some physical processes are well known. Among various reasons for failure in Physics learning old or misguided education methods have been pointed out. The need to diversify methods to attack pedagogical failure led to the increasing use of the computer in Physics education. Currently this tool offers various possibilities to help solving problems in Physics education. We present an historical summary of the rise of computers in education. We relate computer applications to advances in learning theories. We review the main computer uses in science education, from simulations to virtual reality, including data acquisition and Internet. Although the balance of the use of the computers in education is clearly positive, many questions remain. In effect, in spite of its recognized potentialities, the computer did not become the magical key of educative success. We discuss some of the standing difficulties. The pedagogical potential of the computer could only be carried through if good educative software would become available and if this would be smoothly connected to syllabus and practice.
Physics; computer; software; hardware
