Teaching complex physics topics in engaging and accessible ways is a challenge, especially at the undergraduate level. Traditional teaching methods often struggle to capture the interests of digital natives, leading to passive learning and superficial understanding.
Integration Ai for the curriculum Create an interactive Student-centered learning An environment that prevents passive learning and improves results. The first year module, Classical Physics for Engineers, entrusts students with creating explanatory videos of physics by holding competitions as optional extra credit allocations.
Students will need to work in three groups that design videos using AI tools such as DeepSeek. These tools streamline the scripting process and ensure that the content is beneficial and engaging. Students can also use platforms such as Doubao to generate high-quality images to enhance the visual appeal and clarity of their content. You can then edit the video using AI tools such as CapCut. Features like automatic trimming, transition smoothing, text overlay, and professional narration improve the quality of the final product.
This initiative not only captures students' physics concepts, but also increases engagement, promotes creativity and provides a hands-on AI experience. Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with students assessing their impact on interactive approaches and understanding of theoretical concepts. Here are some experience-based tips:
Use AI to create safety instructions
To ensure that students protect themselves when recording experimental content, we recommend that each participant sign a safety guidance form when submitting their competitive intent. AI was extremely helpful in preparing me. Tools like this can provide more Comprehensive, subtle and watertight instructions. A tool using the expected hazards I had not considered created a robust, student-friendly safety protocol with a balanced attention between encouragement and layered protective measures.
My instructions created with the help of AI:
1. Stay safe!
Before you begin, inspect the entire area to remove any hazards. i will do it do not have Try hazardous materials, chemicals, open flames, or unsafe electrical devices. I work in a clear and open space, eliminating the risk of fire and wearing appropriate protective clothing when necessary – aprons, safety goggles and gloves. I will ensure that there is no physical or psychological risk to myself or others and that there is no possibility of damage to my property.
2. I'll ask for permission
If you are filming anywhere other than your own home, you will need to obtain express permission from the property owner. I understand that the owner may not agree to activities that may be dangerous or destructive.
3. If you are in doubt, ask the teacher.
If you are unsure about the safety of some of your activities, email your teacher for approval before you begin.
4. Have fun and learn something!
They balance education and entertainment, expand their knowledge and enjoy the process responsibly.
Student name:
sign:
date:
We also found that AI is particularly skilled in providing options for competition titles and video topics and generating rubrics to mark student work.
Promote freedom and promote freedom with AI tools
Initially, I considered choosing fixed topics and AI tools. But I soon realized that students had a way of making their own ideas and videos. Setting minimal limits and encouraging students to create videos according to their preferences led to higher quality and creative videos than I had expected.
Encourage voluntary group formation
At a pre-competitive one-on-one meeting, students said they would reduce their motivations if they were forced to work with people they didn't want to work with. This is especially true for shy students and those who don't know much about their classmates. Therefore, we do not force students to find a partner. Instead, we state in our official announcement that all participants are free to participate in the contest or are free to participate in a group of up to three members. The moment you announce it, you will begin a two-week “Teammate Discovery Period.” Over the last two weeks, students will learn about classmates, discuss ideas, and complete the group. When the two weeks are over, each student will submit their final registration by sending a personal email to the teacher.
Throughout the process, it explicitly states that working alone is always an acceptable option and no justification is necessary. This wording removes stigma for shy students and those who simply prefer to work alone, for those who give everyone else ample opportunity, for those who are giving everyone else enough.
Students will be evaluated and vote for winners
Allowing all students to evaluate and vote for winners will encourage students who did not compete to watch videos and engage in the activities. According to the Activity Report for Online Learning Platforms, more students watched these videos than I uploaded as an additional learning resource.
Sample videos are provided as guide
Post-competition feedback suggested that a sample video would be provided for reference to help students generate ideas. It is worth highlighting that these are only for reference for students struggling with this task. They are not examples of best practices. Students should be encouraged to think outside the box with their own.
By adopting a student-centric approach that leverages AI, educators can create dynamic, interactive and effective learning experiences. This approach not only meets the challenges of modern higher education, but also paves the way for innovative teaching methods that can be tailored to a variety of themes and contexts.
Xi Chen is an associate professor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.
If you want advice and insights from academics and university staff, it will be delivered directly to your inbox each week. Sign up for our Campus Newsletter.
