Example 3

In this example from an online educational psychology course the instructor has created a short four minute narrated PowerPoint lecture for a unit on Individual Learner Differences. Students are required to view the video and read several short articles on learning style theory. One learning goal is to introduce students to how learning scientists approach the study of individual learner differences. A second goal is to use empirical research to critically examine the validity of the learning style construct.

The instructor uses this activity to introduce an online debate on adapting instruction to accommodate individual learner differences. The debate takes place within the course discussion forum. The instructor moderates the debate making sure each student’s argument is supported by research-based evidence rather than personal opinion.