Impact of multimedia learning modules on an introductory course on electricity and magnetism

Web-based multimedia learning modules were added as prelectures to our reformed introductory electricity and magnetism course. Each module consisted of approximately 20 min of narrated animation, and students were given credit for completing them before lecture. To compensate for this additional time, lectures were reduced from 75 to 50 min. In addition to a modest increase in exam performance, the changes dramatically improved student attitudes toward the course in general and lectures in particular. [c] 2010 American Association of Physics Teachers. [DOI: 10.1119/1.3369920]