Interactive Online Lectures

Engaging Students with Web-based Lectures

Interactive Online Lectures (IOLs) are web-based activities that engage the student in the presentation of new material. We use these IOLs in a variety of different environments. They were born of necessity in Fall 2002 to fill the students’ perceived need of a lecture component to our preparatory course, Physics 100. In Fall 2003, we created a set of IOLs that were used as a supplementary tutorial for solving problems using Gauss’ Law in our calculus-based E&M course, Physics 212. In Fall 2004, we implemented a complete set of IOLs in the “pre-lecture” mode in our first semester algebra-based course, Physics 101. The pre-lectures are designed as the necessary preparation for an in-class lecture that actively engages the students in learning. We are currently developing a complete set of IOLs in the pre-lecture mode for the introductory calculus-based courses, beginning with Physics 212.

In our current implementation, students access the IOLs by using a web browser to view lecture slides (flat images) and have the option of listening to an audio commentary for each slide (mp3 file). The navigation of the slides is controlled by a CGI program such that at a few points during the lecture, the student is presented with a (usually conceptual) multiple-choice question on the current material. If the student answers correctly, he is given an explanation of the answer and can proceed to the next slide. If the student answers incorrectly, he is given an explanation of why his choice is incorrect and, depending on the specific implementation, is either immediately given another try at the question or is presented with a different question that must be answered correctly before he gets another try at the original question. In any case, once he answers the initial question correctly, he can proceed to the next slide.

To access all existing IOLs, you must first register to obtain a login name (NetID) and to choose a password by selecting the "Register" button to the left. Once registered, login by clicking the "Login" button. Then click on one of the course links in the left menu area to view the IOLs used in that course.