Laboratory work in learning geometric optics during the pandemic

Abstract

The work presents the development of methodological strategies applied for the learning of geometric optics with undergraduate Physics students, during the isolation period by covid-19. Two cohorts of students participated (2020 and 2021). The objectives, the structure of the experimental work proposal and the student's assessment mechanism are detailed. The main results obtained are presented and illustrated with some students' productions. The application of various evaluation instruments indicates that most of the objectives that have been proposed for the virtual modality were achieved, but the lack of synchronous interaction with the student while doing the practice stands out as a weakness. Furthermore, it includes the results of an online survey of students about their opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of the methodology used to learn geometric optics during isolation. The responses indicate that the students have valued the instances of interaction much more than the experimental home activities themselves or any other tool during the virtual course and that they prefer the face-to-face instance for more effective work.