Literature Review

Drew Parker
Business Administration, Simon Fraser University
Andrew Gemino
Simon Fraser University

Abstract:
Online learning is coming of age. 'Traditional' universities are embracing online components to courses, online courses, and even complete online programs. There appears to be a growing sense that this form of teaching and learning has strong pedagogical merit. Research has shown that students do comparatively well in this new format. There is, however, a lack of evidence illustrating strengths and weaknesses of online teaching and learning. This paper discusses experiences with a single course taught using two forms of instruction: (1) traditional place-based seminars, and (2) interactive virtual seminars. Differences in learning performance are tested using longitudinal observations. In a course comprised of both conceptual material and applications of techniques, the students performed overall equally well in either place-based or virtual format. Their degree of learning, however, differed significantly between conceptual and technique-based material. Implications are promising, showing that there are relative strengths to be exploited in both place-based and virtual formats.