Study shows true value of e-learning

A huge research project carried out by the US Department of Education between 1996 and 2008 looked at the effectiveness of online and blended learning compared to conventional face-to-face training.

The effectiveness and efficiency of e-learning is well proven when evaluated on the basis of cost and reach. However, the findings of the 93 page report “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning – A Meta Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies” now show that both online and blended solutions produce better learning results than traditional methods of instruction. “Students who took all or part of their class online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction. Learning outcomes for students who engaged in online learning exceeded those of students receiving face-to-face instruction.”

The study goes on to conclude that online learning meets the needs of a wide range of learner types, helps keep learners on task for longer, and that learner control enhances the learning experience. Specifically:

·        “The effectiveness of online learning approaches appears quite broad across different content and learner types”

·        “Studies in which learners in the online condition spent more time on task than students in the face-to-face condition found a greater benefit for online leaning”

·        “Online learning can be enhanced by giving learners control of their interactions with media and prompting learner reflection”

The study’s lead author, Barbara Means, summed up the mood of the report as follows: “The study’s major significance lies in demonstrating that online learning today is not just better than nothing – it actually tends to be better than conventional instruction”. This is one of a number of reports recently that has reinforced the view that both blended and straight e-learning not only provides outstanding ROI in terms of cost savings, but also in meeting learning objectives and developing people skills.

These reports will undoubtedly help increase the demand for quality online solutions. To download the study go to the US Department of Education website at:

http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf