Using multimedia learning modules in a hybrid-online course in electricity and magnetism

We have been piloting web-based multimedia learning modules (mlms),developed by the physics education research group at the university of illinois at urbana champaign (uiuc),as a prelecture assignment in several introductory physics courses at california state polytechnic university at pomona. in this study,we report the results from a controlled study utilizing modules on electricity and magnetism as a part of a blended hybrid-online course. we asked students in the experimental section to view the mlms prior to attending the face-to-face class,and to make sure this would not result in additional instructional time,we reduced the weekly class time by one-third. we found that despite reduced class time,student-learning outcomes were not hindered; in fact,the implementation of the uiuc mlms resulted in a positive effect on student performance on conceptual tests and classroom discussion questions. © 2011 american physical society.