This study compared the characteristics of students who excel (those in the top quarter of their class) and students who merely survive (bottom quarter of class) when attending a course either in-class or online. Student characteristics such as personal attributes (learning styles and gender), individual competence (grade point average), and major…

This study examines data from focus group discussions with parents, students, and teachers at an online charter school. Standardized achievement test scores of children at the online charter school are compared with those in a similar school and across the state. Overall, the constituents involved in the online charter school were satisfied with…

Describes a meta-analysis that indicated a slight student preference for a traditional educational format over a distance education format in higher education, and little difference in satisfaction levels, even when considering presence and type of interaction. Discusses meta-analysis as a method for synthesizing literature. (Contains 53…

Describes study of undergraduates that was conducted to compare the influence of the instructional environment on the frequency and types of interactions, performance, and student attitudes. Three treatment groups are described: (1) traditional classroom with instructor; (2) TV broadcast studio classroom with instructor; and (3) studio classroom…

Describes a study that compared two sections of the same course: one online and asynchronous, the other face-to-face. Examined gender, age, learning preferences and styles, media familiarity, effectiveness of tasks, course effectiveness, test grades, and final grades; and concluded that equivalent learning activities can be equally effective for…

Discussion of the cost effectiveness of distance education highlights an investigation that explored both the cost and the instructional effectiveness of using computer-mediated communication (CMC) for two courses in the U.S. Army Reserve Component. Student performance is compared and evaluated for CMC versus traditional resident courses. (24…

Discussion of learner motivations and learner satisfaction in distance education courses using electronic media focuses on a study at Utah State University that compared students using an audio/graphic system with students taught by traditional methods. The use of the Educational Participation Scale (EPS) and the Learning Environment Inventory…

Describes experiences at the Houston Community College System using personal computers and modems for distance education courses. Topics discussed include modem delivery, program expansion and growth, comparisons with traditional on-campus courses, necessary skills for faculty and students, support services, quality of the learning experience,…

Discusses results of a study of high school students that was conducted to determine, through measures of student achievement, the educational effectiveness of interactive satellite delivery compared with traditional classroom instruction in anatomy and physiology and to compare the attitudes toward anatomy and physiology of distance students and…

Describes differences between on-campus and distance learners by knowledge, skills, and abilities based on a comparative study of doctoral students at Texas A&M University. Highlights include student perceptions of their competencies; and the use of competency models as assessment tools for strategic decision making and development of courses…

Describes a study that compared the effectiveness of computer-mediated communication systems for teacher education distance education courses with traditional classroom instruction and a correspondence course at Purdue University. Variables examined are described, including achievement test scores, time-on-task, and students' attitudes; and…

Describes study conducted at Moorhead State University (Minnesota) that was designed to compare a variety of distance education delivery methods offered in a teacher training program. Alternative instructional delivery systems are compared to more traditional instruction control groups, and effects on student achievement and course evaluation are…

Describes study that examined the effects of using two-way interactive television in a three-course sequence of teacher education courses. Comparisons are made between distance education and conventionally taught classes, and the variables used are described, including the instructor's teaching effectiveness, feedback related to student progress,…