The Horse and the Cart in Web-Based Instruction: Prevalence and Efficacy

This paper consists of a review of current trends in web-based instruction and a review of a representative sample of web-based instruction efficacy research. The review of the current state of web-based instruction yields two principle themes: a) The prevalence of web-based instruction is growing exponentially, particularly in lifelong learning and corporate training; and b) The line between academia and private industry is blurring at an unprecedented rate, and the trend is strongly associated with the growth of web-based instruction and training. A review of research on web-based instruction efficacy indicates that, despite the prevalence of web-based instruction, there are few efficacy studies in which web-based and face-to-face instruction are compared. The paper describes views of some educational researchers who object to the utility of such studies on methodological and theoretical grounds. Rationale for the need for such studies is also presented. Four representative efficacy studies are summarized and their results, taken together, yield three principal conclusions. a) Web-based instruction can be as effective as face-to-face instruction based on students grades and exam scores; b) Learner variables play an important role in terms of the nature of students who select and the nature of students who succeed in web-based class; and c) Factors that lead to improved performance in face to face classes, such as structured collaboration and active learning also increase performance and positive attitude in web based courses. Web-Based Instruction