Research shows Online Learning Better than Face-to-face

10 July 2009

in (e)Learning & (e)Teaching

Derek Wenmoth, in a post on the DEANZ blog, led me to this report from the US Department of Education.

A U.S. Department of Education analysis of  research studies undertaken between 1996 and 2008 concludes that:

  • Blended Learning is the most effective mode of education;
  • Online Learning is more effective than face-to-face;
  • Face-to-face learning alone is the least effective method of the three.

Note that these findings are confined to tertiary education as the researchers did not find enough studies at the K-12 level.

The full report can be found here:
U.S. Department of Education (2009) “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies” (PDF)

  • Although I love the idea that online learning is more effective, I'd still think it would depend on the approach of educators in the use of online technology in communicating with their students.
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