Comparing learning outcomes of video-based e-learning with face-to-face lectures of agricultural engineering courses in Korean agricultural high schools

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of e-learning by comparing the learning outcomes in conventional face-to-face lectures and e-learning methods. Two video-based e-learning contents were developed based on the rapid prototyping model and loaded onto the learning management system (LMS), which was available at http://www.greenehrd.com. Eighty-five Korean agricultural high school students were randomly assigned into the two groups: face-to-face lecture (control group), and video-based e-learning (experimental group). The students of the experimental group logged onto the LMS in the school computer lab and completed each e-learning module. All students were required to take a pretest and posttest before and after learning under the direction of the subject teachers. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine any difference between the two groups in terms of learning outcomes. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was also administered to verify whether there was any difference between the two groups after controlling for the covariate variable: pretest score. According to the results, e-learning resulted in better learning outcomes than face-to-face lecturing. These findings suggest that the use of well designed and appropriately applied e-learning could be worthy even in agricultural education, which stresses hands-on experience and lab activities. Further research should focus on a different e-learning content type in different agricultural subject fields and its relationship with learning outcome.