Abstract
Among the many differences between asynchronous interactions and traditional classroom communication, the most critical differences involve those that may affect a student’s ability to learn. The efficacy of courses in facilitating instruction and learning is a key concern of all educators involved in or contemplating conducting such courses. This paper explores the impact on learning in asynchronous internet courses compared to learning in a traditional classroom setting. Specifically, the study examines student perceptions of the effectiveness of an active-learning, asynchronous internet course relative to that of a traditional classroom-based course. Students were asked to compare effectiveness on a variety of dimensions. The study yields results consistent with previous research related to learning outcomes along several measures, particularly with regard to students’ positive attitudes about their learning in an online computer course. However, the findings here offer new evidence that learning can also be enhanced with an active learning format in an online course.
Highlights
More sophisticated and affordable technology has motivated many universities and colleges to offer a variety of alternatives to traditional classroom instruction
The study yields results consistent with previous research related to learning outcomes cited above, in particular, that of Sandercock and others [13]
Students indicated the use of the online course had helped them gain new skills as compared to the traditional classroom setting
Summary
More sophisticated and affordable technology has motivated many universities and colleges to offer a variety of alternatives to traditional classroom instruction. These alternatives include distance education courses via television at remote classroom sites and both synchronous and asynchronous internet courses. The least traditional of these alternatives utilizes asynchronous communication by which communication is mediated by technology and is not dependent on teachers and students being present in the same location at the same time. Many of the traditional classroom activities can be recreated technologically through computer conferencing, electronic mail, bulletin boards, and the internet. The use of the internet to deliver distance education has grown faster than any other instructional technology [3]
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