What Does the Research Say About E-Learning?
Electronic learning, or eLearning, refers to any education or training delivered electronically, typically through the internet. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its convenience and flexibility, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and on their schedule. In addition, eLearning is often more cost effective than traditional classroom-based learning, as it eliminates the need for physical classrooms and materials.
But does e-learning work? Is it as effective as traditional classroom-based learning regarding knowledge retention and skill acquisition? According to scientific studies, the answer is generally yes. A meta-analysis of 225 studies published in the Journal of Computer-Assisted Learning found that e-learning was equivalent to traditional learning in student achievement (Means, Toyama, Murphy, Bakia, & Jones, 2009). The five big takeaways from this study are as follows:
- The study was a meta-analysis of 225 research studies on the effectiveness of e-learning compared to traditional classroom-based instruction.
- The study found that e-learning was equivalent to traditional instruction in student achievement.
- The study also found that e-learning was more effective than traditional instruction regarding student retention and satisfaction.
- The study identified several factors that may impact the effectiveness of e-learning, including the quality of the course content and delivery, the level of student interaction and engagement, and the individual characteristics of the learners.
- The study concluded that e-learning could be an effective and efficient form of education and training. Still, it is important to carefully consider the needs of the learners and the subject matter when deciding whether e-learning is the most appropriate option.
Is E-Learning or Online Training Right For Your Company?
That being said, eLearning is not always suitable for every learning situation and may not be as effective for certain types of learners or certain subjects. Some potential eLearning challenges include a lack of personal interaction with instructors and peers, difficulty staying motivated and focused, and technical issues with online platforms. To overcome these challenges and ensure the effectiveness of eLearning, it is important to choose a high-quality eLearning platform and to design and structure online courses properly.
Factors that contribute to the success of eLearning include the use of clear and concise content, the incorporation of interactive elements, and the availability of support and resources for learners. For example, courses that include opportunities for learners to ask questions and receive feedback from instructors tend to be more effective. It is also important to ensure that the eLearning platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
There are several key considerations to keep in mind when implementing eLearning. First, it is important to ensure that the eLearning platform is accessible to all learners. This means considering the technical requirements and limitations of different devices and internet connections. It may also be necessary to provide accommodations for learners with disabilities.
Second, it is important to engage learners and keep them motivated throughout the course. This can be achieved through the use of interactive elements, such as quizzes and games, as well as by providing opportunities for learners to ask questions and receive feedback. It may also be helpful to break up the course into smaller modules or units to help learners stay focused and engaged.
Third, it is important to provide support and resources for learners. This may include access to online tutors or mentors, as well as additional reading materials or resources. Providing community and connection to other learners can also help maintain motivation and engagement.
To truly understand the success of an eLearning program, it is vital to assess and evaluate its effectiveness regularly. By utilizing pre- and post-tests that measure knowledge retention, and skill acquisition, as well as surveys and feedback from learners, you will be able to gain valuable insights into areas of improvement. This data can help guide any adjustments needed for greater learning impact in your eLearning program.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scientific studies have generally found that e-learning can be just as effective as traditional classroom-based learning regarding knowledge retention and skill acquisition. However, it is important to carefully consider the needs of the learners and the subject matter when deciding whether e-learning is the most appropriate form of education or training. It is important to carefully consider the needs of the learners and the subject matter when deciding whether e-learning is the most appropriate form of education or training. In some cases, e-learning may be a highly effective and convenient option, while in other cases, a different approach may be more effective.
References:
Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2009). Evaluation of evidence-based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning studies. US Department of Education. Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. Policy and Program Studies Service. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf
