Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
Transforming the Learning Environment
April 4-6, 2004
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Patricia A. Schafer, RN, MS, PhD
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Abstract
Studies indicating student satisfaction within the online learning environments are found throughout the literature. However, studies related to student learning outcomes, such as critical thinking abilities, exam scores, etc. in online learning classrooms verses traditional classrooms are lacking. This study compared student learning outcomes in two different learning environments, online and traditional classroom settings. Results reported higher scores, earned by students in the online community.
Description
This study compared learner outcomes of two groups of senior baccalaureate students enrolled in a gerontology course that included both theory and practice requirements. Students (N = 50) in group A (n = 29) completed the course in the traditional classroom setting, face-to-face, while students in group B (n = 21) completed the course using WebCt in an online classroom environment.
Critical thinking abilities within the course were based on theoretical concepts and measured with testing items related to didactic areas of learning.