Tutorial Approach

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for using the XYZ software program.
Creative writing is a creative-linguistic process, this tutorial will...
The process of establishing a sole proprietorship is the focus of this tutorial ...

Tutorials present step-by-step instruction teaching new concepts. They are designed to provide new information along with examples and nonexamples of concepts. In addition, practice and feedback is often incorporated into the program. Tutorials work well when

• introducing new concepts
• reviewing difficult ideas, or
• providing enrichment.

Some tutorials are often linear. In other words, they provide the same information and examples to all learners in a predetermined order. Sometimes called "electronic pageturners" they may not address the needs of individual students. As such, when designing tutorials consider incorporating optional examples, different channels of communication such as audio, video, graphics, and different ways of viewing the content.

Branching tutorials provide alternative paths through learning. Each student receives that instruction he or she needs based on responses to specific questions or problems.

The strength of tutorials lies in their consistency and accuracy. They allow students to work at their own pace and provide individualized practice and feedback which is difficult to do in the traditional classroom environment.

Adapting Online Tutorials

When selecting tutorials consider the instructional strategies incorporated into the program. Ask yourself:

• Does it teach the concepts like you would teach them?
  
• Do you like the quality and quantity of examples and nonexamples provided?
  
• Does the vocabulary match what you teach in class?
• Is the software a good use of instructional time in your classroom?

It can be confusing for a student to learn one approach in the tutorial and be expected to demonstrate a different technique in an exam.

Examples to Explore

Below you'll find a few examples.

• Linear and Interactive Textbooks
  • Art, Design, and Visual Thinking by Charlotte Jirousek at Cornell University
  • CHEMystery at ThinkQuest
  • Concepts and Applications of Inferential Statistics by Richard Lowery at Vassar College
  • StatSoft (Electronic Statistics Textbook) by T. Hill and P. Lewicki, OK
  • Online Biology Book by Michael J. Farabee at Estrella Mountain Community College
• Modules, Mini-Lessons, Tutorials
  • Beer's Law at Sheffield Hallam University
  • Matrix Addition and Scalar Multiplication by Stefan Waner at Hofstra University
  • Neurogenesis from the Wellesley College Biology Department
  • Physics Classroom, The by Glenbook South Science Department
  • Practical Math Lessons from Purplemath
  • Research Methods in Social and Natural Sciences from the Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction
  • Shaping Outcomes from Indiana University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services
  • Visual Calculus by Lawrence S. Husch and the Mathmatics Department at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Statistics Tutorial: Rules of Probability from Stat Trek
  • WISE Tutorials from Web Interface for Statistics Education (WISE) at Claremont Graduate University
• Exercises
• Virtual Explorations by Robert E. Wood at Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Camden Campus and Wadsworth Cengage Learning

Exercises and Pratice

While some instructors build tutorials, others simply add practice activities into their course readings or assignment. Each instructor formats these activities differently. A common approach is the use of PDF files.

Explore examples of practice activities at MIT Open Courseware:

• Introduction to Biology - problems and solutions
• Biology - interpretation questions and answers (PDF doc)
• Chinese II - Audio exercises (MP3)
• Chinese 2 - Audio exercises (MP3)
• Chinese 4 - Audio exercises (MP3)

To find more examples, do a Google search for your topic and add the word "tutorial".

Reminders!
Tutorials provide step-by-step information, guidance, and practice in learning new knowledge and skills.

Apply It!
Explore examples of tutorials.

List the pros and cons of using the tutorial approach with your content.

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