[NHDOE-ETNews] USDOE Study on Online Learning Shows...

[Higgins, Cathy]

"On average, students in online learning conditions performed better
than those receiving face-to-face instruction."

The statement above comes from a USDOE sponsored study of online
learning. The study was focused largely, though not exclusively, on
outcomes of online learning for undergraduates, graduates, and
professionals. NH educators that are writing grant proposals are
encouraged to read the full report at
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalrepor
t.pdf 

Here are excerpts from the executive summary:

"In recent experimental and quasi-experimental studies contrasting
blends of online and face-to-face instruction with conventional
face-to-face classes, blended instruction has been more effective,
providing a rationale for the effort required to design and implement
blended approaches. Even when used by itself, online learning appears to
offer a modest advantage over conventional classroom instruction. 

However, several caveats are in order: Despite what appears to be strong
support for online learning applications, the studies in this
meta-analysis do not demonstrate that online learning is superior as a
medium. In many of the studies showing an advantage for online learning,
the online and classroom conditions differed in terms of time spent,
curriculum and pedagogy. It was the combination of elements in the
treatment conditions (which was likely to have included additional
learning time and materials as well as additional opportunities for
collaboration) that produced the observed learning advantages. At the
same time, one should note that online learning is much more conducive
to the expansion of learning time than is face-to-face instruction....

Another consideration is that various online learning implementation
practices may have differing effectiveness for K-12 learners than they
do for older students. It is certainly possible that younger students
could benefit more from a different degree of teacher or computer-based
guidance than would college students and older learners. Without new
random assignment or controlled quasi-experimental studies of the
effects of online learning options for K-12 students, policy-makers will
lack scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these emerging
alternatives to face-to-face instruction."

Here is a New York Times article about the report:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-educati
on-beats-the-classroom/?em

-Cathy

------------------------
Dr. Cathy Higgins
State Educational Technology Director
Office of Educational Technology
NH Department of Education
101 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301
Voice: 603-271-2453 *** Fax: 603-271-1953 
OET Website: www.nheon.org/oet
ETNews: www.nheon.org/oetb



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