Java enabled opto-electronic learning tools and a supporting framework

The use of multimedia tools over the World Wide Web is an extremely desirable instructional method. Unintentionally this has created a maze of online tutorials and demonstrations with huge amounts of information in disarray. In addition, Cognitive theories, like Active Learning and Experiential Learning, applicable to the engineering domain, sermonize modeling, problem resolution and problem visualization as the key elements in instruction. In this paper, we present some of our work on building user configurable Java Applets for education in photonics (lasers and optics). These include design Applets for laser principles that illustrate optical ray tracing systems, population inversion, and 3-D visualization of optical polarization. This paper focuses on the design and implementation of user-controlled context based educational resources. A design-based learning experience using Java Applets and the multiple facets of the design and development of such a software system is described. Specifically, an initial object-oriented framework that emphasizes key elements of design like reusability, flexibility, modularity and extensibility is provided. This framework is developed for the design of educational Java Applets that provide user configurable simulation environments. The six key elements of the framework are: Components, Strategy objects, Singleton objects, Visitor objects, Toolkits and Containers. Moreover, methods to initialize Applets using design windows and HTML tags are presented. This framework provides basic guidelines for developing user-configurable Java simulation environments for use in any science or engineering field.