Ken, You point out some very critical topics. You are probably aware of Howard Gardner, 1983, identifying multiple intelligences. Additionally, a contemporary movement called Mastery Learning indicated the same dynamic of slower and faster learners to which you alluded. There are many approaches being developed in the online instructional environment to address these very issues, especially concerning problem-solving in specific careers and situations. You may want to Google a couple of terms that may be helpful; scenario-based learning and adaptive technologies. Thank you for contributing your insights. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt