Since these modules were designed with self-directed students in mind it is important to understand their structure and how to best use each one of the components.

 

Each module contains four main components as follows: a Preview Video, a Diagnostic Quiz, the Module Lessons, and a Module Test.

 

As each one of the components of a module is completed, the student should keep in mind and reflect on the learning outcomes as stated in the opening page of the module.

 

Preview Video: The short animated video will briefly preview the main concepts and principles that will be presented in more detail during the lesson videos. This component should provide you with a general idea of the content in the module while getting you familiarized with some of the vocabulary and notation that will be required.

 

Diagnostic Quiz: This short quiz focuses on the conceptual understanding of the content within the module. This quiz can be used both prior to the lessons and after completion of the lessons.

 

Pre-Lesson Use: The quiz offers a Preview option where the questions can be read and used in order to guide the study throughout the various lessons. Additionally, it is possible to take the quiz before going through the lessons in order to assess knowledge in the topics that will be presented. Depending on the score a student can then decide on how best to spend the time in studying the content of the module.

 

Post-Lesson Use: Given its conceptual nature, the quiz is well suited to provide indication of preparedness to work on the Practice Questions or the Module Test. Depending on the score in the quiz a student would be able to determine if a review of some of the lessons is required or if it is time to move on to the Practice Questions or the Module Test.

 

Upon scoring of the Diagnostic Quiz the student will be presented with a few suggestions on how to proceed with the study of the module.

 

Module Lessons: Each module contains a number of lesson videos that will introduce and develop the various topics within the module. Each lesson focuses on a specific topic and will both present the theory as well as a direct application example. The example can take the form of a Check Point, a Question, or a Problem. Within the title page of each lesson video you will be provided with information regarding whether it contains a Check Point, a Question, or a Problem.

 

• Check Points are conceptual questions based on the content of the lesson and are aimed at developing understanding while addressing common misconceptions. When answering a check point question, make sure to carefully review the explanation provided.
• Questions are presented within selected lesson videos directly after the presentation on a new concept or idea. These questions are direct application examples on how the concept is used in a specific physical situation.
• Problems are presented at the end of a number of lesson videos after further development on the content from the module. These problems will often require the synthesis of the material from the lesson with ideas from previous lessons and previous modules and require more detailed work than the questions.
• Practice Questions are available for each lesson. These should be completed in order to develop the skills and conceptual understanding around the material from the lesson.

 

It is extremely important that the Practice Questions be attempted without looking at the provided solutions. The solutions should only be used once all work has been completed in order to check the work done.

 

Module Test: This summative piece of assessment will focus on the application of key concepts and principles presented in the module with a set of questions and problems. The questions are examples of direct application of the content in the module, while the problems involve synthesis with principles from previous lessons and will require suitable connections to be established.