  The detection of gravitational waves is possible thanks to a
multidisciplinary approach, involving different disciplines such as
astrophysics, physics, engineering and quantum optics. Consequently, it is
important today for teachers to introduce the basic features of gravitational
waves science in the undergraduate curriculum. The usual approach to
gravitational wave physics is based on the use of traceless and transverse
coordinates, which do not have a direct physical meaning and, in a teaching
perspective, may cause misconceptions. In this paper, using Fermi coordinates,
which are simply related to observable quantities, we show that it is possible
to introduce a gravitoelectromagnetic analogy that describes the action of
gravitational waves on test masses in terms of electric-like and magnetic-like
forces. We suggest that this approach could be more suitable when introducing
the basic principles of gravitational waves physics to students.
