Assessing the Effectiveness of Distance Education within the Context of Traditional Classroom

Gabriel Kofi Boahen Nsiah,Mable Oti-Boadi

doi:10.4236/ce.2015.68072

Abstract

Distance education has become a platform for delivery of education around the globe. Nations are seizing the opportunities. This learning tool is offering and thereby providing anytime anywhere forms of education to bridge the educational gap in respective nations. In view of this expansion, assessing the effectiveness of distance education within the context of traditional classroom delivery of instruction is expedient. This will better inform educational institutions in planning a distance education program.

Highlights

IntroductionEducation plays a significant role in shaping a nation, and the proliferation of Internet-based educational opportunities has expanded distance learning modalities to all parts of the globe (Nsiah, 2011)
Education plays a significant role in shaping a nation, and the proliferation of Internet-based educational opportunities has expanded distance learning modalities to all parts of the globe (Nsiah, 2011). This expansion has encouraged researchers to examine its effectiveness within the context of traditional classroom systems (Bernard, Abrami, Yiping, & Borokhovski, 2004; Cavanaugh, Gillan, Kromrey, Hess & Blomeyer, 2004; McIsaac & Gunawardena, 1996)
The analysis showed that distance education did not outperform or underperform classroom instruction but was equal in effectiveness

Summary

Introduction

Education plays a significant role in shaping a nation, and the proliferation of Internet-based educational opportunities has expanded distance learning modalities to all parts of the globe (Nsiah, 2011). This expansion has encouraged researchers to examine its effectiveness within the context of traditional classroom systems (Bernard, Abrami, Yiping, & Borokhovski, 2004; Cavanaugh, Gillan, Kromrey, Hess & Blomeyer, 2004; McIsaac & Gunawardena, 1996). In such environments, students are aware from the onset of what is expected of them. Oti-Boadi assessment methods and requirements probably have a greater influence on how and what students learn than any other individual factors

Assessment Methods

Instructor’s Effectiveness

Academic Effectiveness

Conclusion