Attrition in online programs has historically been much higher than in traditional face to face programs, creating concern regarding the appropriateness of online learning for all populations. This study aimed to address the question of whether students' levels of self-directed learning readiness and the quality ratings of online courses would be…

Creating an integrative research framework that extends a model frequently used in the Information Systems field, the Technology Acceptance Model, together with variables used in the Education field, this empirical study investigates the factors influencing student performance as reflected by their final course grade. The Technology Acceptance…

This study examines the influence of instructional design and management style on student achievement and satisfaction in a web-based distance learning environment. From the literature review, two major instructional design and management styles in web-based distance education were conceptualized as structure and interpersonal interaction. To…

A review of research in distance education indicates that results are consistent in that there is no significant difference in achievement attributable to the delivery system. This paper attempts to look beyond these studies by examining research related to: learner interaction and control, two different approaches to multiple learning styles, and…

Second year Instructional Technology masters (ITMA) students (N=49) in a 3-year Web-based Instructional Technology program at Virginia Tech chose to communicate with faculty, support staff, and other students via a virtual forum rather than privately if the students had poor coping skills. Specifically, these students posted more messages to the…

Reports results of an investigation of the effectiveness of a prototype virtual problem-based learning (VPBL) exercise delivered via the World Wide Web to first year medical students. Compares the VPBL and a text-based version of the same exercise on students' achievement and examines instructional design issues including learner control and…

A graduate distance course on Information Systems Analysis and Design was designed and delivered under the guidance of the following four philosophies: (1) an effective education is a learner-centered education; (2) distance students are more likely to experience situated learning and problem-based learning; (3) enforced learning should enable…