Effective Student Outcomes: A Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Delivery Modes

Abstract

This study compares outcome measures for identical courses offered in two delivery modes. One delivery mode is Web-based, online, and asynchronous, and the other is face-to-face and synchronous. Outcome measures for both modes include gain scores (difference between pretest and posttest knowledge), grade expressed as a percentage, and student satisfaction. These outcome measures are used to determine whether online students learn as effectively as face-to-face students. Analysis of the data suggests that online students are gaining knowledge comparable to the face-to-face students and that the online students are as satisfied on most dimensions as the face-to-face students. Kolb's Learning Style instrument is utilized to determine if one learning style lends itself better to online learning than other styles.