Background
There is a significant body of published literature that compares outcomes in online courses vs. face-to-face courses. An examination of Oregon State’s Online Learning Efficacy Research Database reveals many small-scale studies that compare one or a few terms of online vs. face-to-face courses. There are fewer large-scale studies comparing the outcomes from multiple terms or instructors.
Due to the nature of these comparative research study designs, the results have limitations. Some studies do not control for factors such as the instructor, instructor experience, term taught, class size or other factors. We set out to conduct a study that could reduce some of these factors that limit the value and rigor of these comparisons. Read more about the methodology.
Research questions
When comparing courses in different modalities (i.e. online and face-to-face), does the length of time the course has been taught impact the course outcomes?
When comparing courses in different modalities (i.e. online and face-to-face), does the amount of instructor experience impact the course outcomes?
When comparing courses in different modalities (i.e. online and face-to-face), does the consistency of the instructor impact the course outcomes?
