08 July 2009

Meta-Analysis of Online Learning Studies from Dept of Ed

Conclusions of the well-established archive of research into online education residing at the No Significant Difference Phenomenon web site are confirmed in 2009 by a meta-analysis published by the U.S. Department of Education. This most recent report is the Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies [PDF] . The investigation was conducted by SRI International.

Drawing from more than 1,000 empirical studies, the researchers identified 51 effects for meta-analysis. The broad conclusion is that students in "online learning conditions" performed better than students in F2F settings. The investigation focused on web-based online learning and those studies with direct measures of student learning (not indirect measures such as surveys or studies of perception of learning).

© 2009 Mary Bold, PhD, CFLE. Email contact: bold[AT]marybold.com. The content of this blog or related web sites created by Mary Bold (www.marybold.com, www.boldproductions.com, College Intern Blog) is not under any circumstances to be regarded as legal or professional advice. Bold is the co-author of Reflections: Preparing for your Practicum or Internship, geared to college interns in the child, education, and family fields. She is a consultant and speaker on assessment, distance learning, and technology.

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