The impact of online applets on learning in an introductory meteorology lecture

Interactive online applets were developed to enhance learning in a large-format introductory meteorology survey course. These applets cover topics as diverse as precipitation formation to interpreting satellite images and were administered through a locally-branded version of the Desire2Learn course management software. Mandatory homework assignments and voluntary activities using the applets were provided throughout the course, and knowledge of the covered material was assessed on tests and a final comprehensive exam. Students who used the applets showed a statistically significant enhancement in retention of the covered material over students who did not. As both groups of students showed similar overall performance for the course, self-selection is not considered a likely cause of the disparity. Additional results and interpretations will also be presented.