Peer Review

Introduction to Mutual Funds

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Mar 5, 2007 by Business

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: Introduction to Mutual Funds explains the basics of investing in mutual funds and describes related library resources. Content is based on the SEC publication Investing Wisely: An Introduction to Mutual Funds.
Type of Material:: Tutorial
Recommended Uses:: Individual homework or brief demonstration in class.
Technical Requirements:: Flash Player
Identify Major Learning Goals:: This tutorial explains the concepts associated with mutual funds, including what they are, how the funds operate, advantages and disadvantages of the investment option, and resources available for further research.
Target Student Population:: Anyone interested in learning mutual funds basics as an investment option.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: An understanding of very basic accounting and investing terminology is needed.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The module is excellent in terms of quality of content. Verbal delivery is clear and precise. The module is self-contained and includes an adequate amount of material. Concepts are integrated and summarized well.
Concerns:: None

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

The learning object provides a thorough introduction to all the concepts associated with mutual funds. Concepts are reinforced progessively with relationships demonstrated between them. The module is efficient in that users can learn much in a short time. Potential effectiveness as a teaching tool is very, very good.

Concerns:

Prerequisite knowledge required is implied rather than explictely stated.
A glossary of terms would help users who may not be comfortable with some of the terminology, i.e. negative correlation, standard deviation, portfolio, etc.
A more thorough explanation is needed for Fund 1 in Lesson 7 as to why it has forgone earnings given this fund has no load factor.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: This module is easy to use and of professional design quality. Screens are uncluttered and employ a consistent format. The use of the Mutual Fund Cost Calculator and the Investor Questionnaire are very clear and well demonstrated.
Concerns:: The vertical integrator mentioned on slide 1 of lesson 3 is not labeled, which may cause some confusion. While the module is engaging and entertaining to watch, interactivity is lacking.

Other Issues and Comments:

Over all Introduction to Mutual Funds is a very, very good resource for teaching and learning about mutual funds.
The Newman Library is mentioned, of which the majority of individuals have no access, however, this fact appears of no consequence.

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