Adding animation and interactivity to finance courses with learning objects

In this paper we explain and assess the benefits of integrating an interactive, online learning object into a finance course. Animation and interactivity combined with the accessibility of the online learning object create a rich, student-controlled learning environment. We present a new learning object on portfolio expected return, risk, and diversification and measure its effect on student learning in an introductory finance course. Our findings indicate that using the learning object seems to improve the performance of low-GPA students.