The use of online learning resources as core components of university science courses is increasing.
Learning resources range from summaries, videos, and simulations, to question banks. Our study set
out to develop, implement, and evaluate research-based online learning resources in the form of
pre-lecture online learning modules (OLMs). The aim of this paper is to share our experiences with
those using, or considering implementing, online learning resources. Our first task was to identify
student learning issues in physics to base the learning resources on. One issue with substantial
research is conceptual understanding, the other with comparatively less research is scientific
representations (graphs, words, equations, and diagrams). We developed learning resources on both
these issues and measured their impact. We created weekly OLMs which were delivered to first year
physics students at The University of Sydney prior to their first lecture of the week. Students were
randomly a…