DOE Study Finds Online Learning Superior to Face-to-Face Instruction

In 2009, the U.S. Department of Education published Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies.  The study quantitatively reviewed 51 studies that compared student outcomes of online learning to face-to-face instruction and found that classes with online learning (whether taught completely online or blended) on average produced stronger student learning outcomes than classes with solely face-to-face instruction. The mean effect size for all 51 studies was +.24, p<.001, a small but significant difference.

Interestingly, the meta-analysis distinguished between purely online and blended (i.e. classes that included both online and face-to-face instruction) forms of instruction.  When purely online instruction was compared with solely face-to-face instruction, a mean effect of +.14, p<.05 was found.  However, a stronger difference was found between blended forms of instruction and solely face-to-face learning which yielded a mean effect of +.35, p<.0001.  That is to say, purely online learning produces strong student learning outcomes than solely face-to-face instruction, but blended forms of instruction are even more effective.

To view the entire study, click on the pdf document below.

DOE on Online Ed.pdf