Effectiveness of Web-Based Instruction
Meta-analytic techniques were used to statistically summarize the literature on the effectiveness of Web-based instruction
(WBI) relative to classroom instruction (CI) and to examine course design characteristics that influence learning from WBI. The
overall results indicated WBI was 6% more effective than CI for teaching fact-based knowledge, the two delivery media were equally
effective for teaching skill-based knowledge, and trainees were equally satisfied with WBI and CI. However, WBI and CI were equally
effective for teaching declarative knowledge when the same instructional methods were used to deliver both WBI and CI, suggesting
media effects are spurious and supporting Clark’s (1983, 1994) theory. Finally, WBI was 19% more effective than CI for teaching
declarative knowledge when Web-based trainees were provided with control, in long courses, and when trainees practiced the training
material and received feedback during training.
Publications:
Sitzmann, T., Kraiger, K., Stewart, D., & Wisher, R. (2006). The comparative effectiveness of Web-based and classroom instruction: A meta-analysis. Personnel Psychology, 59, 623-664.
Sitzmann, T., Ely, K., & Wisher, R. (2008). Designing Web-based training courses to maximize learning. In K. L. Orvis and A. L. R. Lassiter (Eds.) Computer-supported collaborative learning: Best practices and principles for instructors. Hershey, PA: IDEA Group.
Available at: http://www.igi-global.com/downloads/excerpts/orvis_excerpt.pdf
Anders, G. (March 26, 2007). Companies find online training has its limits. The Wall Street Journal Online, B3.
Available at: http://www.careerjournal.com/columnists/theorypractice/20070327-theorypractice.html
Sitzmann, T. (2005, August). Is e-learning as effective as classroom learning? T + D, 18.
Sitzmann, T., Kraiger, K., Stewart, D., & Wisher, R. (in press). The comparative effectiveness of Web-based and classroom instruction: A meta-analysis. Chapter to appear in R. Clark (Ed.), Learning from media: Arguments, analysis and evidence. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
Presentations:
Sitzmann, T. (2007, October). Improving learning from Web-based training courses: Research evidence. Keynote address at E-Learn Conference, Quebec City, Canada.
Sitzmann, T. (2007, September). Designing and evaluating web-based instruction: research evidence. Presented at The Best Practices in Blended Learning Conference hosted by MoreSteam.com and Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Sitzmann, T., & Wisher, R. (2006). The comparative effectiveness of Web-based and classroom instruction: A meta-analysis. In S. Carliner (Ed.), American Society of Training and Development Research-to-Practice Conference Proceedings (pp. 161-170). Alexandria, VA: ASTD.
Sitzmann, T., & Wisher, R. (2006). Maximizing learning outcomes from Web-based training: A meta-analysis. In Distance Teaching and Learning Conference Proceedings. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.
Sitzmann, T., & Hildebrand, K. (2006, August). Education and assessment: Frameworks for ADL evaluations. Presented at Implementation Fest hosted by the Joint Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory, Orlando, FL.
Sitzmann, T., & Wisher, R. (2006, August). Maximizing learning outcomes from Web-based training: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at the Distance Teaching and Learning Conference, Madison, WI.
Sitzmann, T., Stewart, D., Kraiger, K., & Wisher, R. (2006, May). Effectiveness of Web-based instruction relative to classroom instruction: A meta-analysis. Poster presented at the 21st Annual Meeting of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Dallas, TX.
Sitzmann, T., & Wisher, R. (2006, May). The comparative effectiveness of Web-based and classroom instruction: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at the Research-to-Practice Conference, American Society of Training and Development International Conference and Exposition, Dallas, TX.
Sitzmann, T., & Wisher, R. (2005). The effectiveness of Web-based training compared to classroom instruction: A meta-analysis. In S. Carliner & B. Sugrue (Eds.), American Society of Training and Development Research-to-Practice Conference Proceedings (pp. 181-187). Alexandria, VA: ASTD.
Sitzmann, T. (2005, October). Maximizing learning in online training courses: Meta-analytic evidence. Presented at The Best Practices in Blended Learning Conference hosted by MoreSteam.com and Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Sitzmann, T., Wisher, R., Kraiger, K., & Stewart, D. (2005, August). The effectiveness of Web-based instruction: A meta-analysis of online instruction with theoretical and methodological moderators. In A. Towler & K. Kraiger (Chairs) and T. T. Baldwin (Discussant), “E-learning: Advances in training design and evaluation” at the 65th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, Honolulu, HI.
Sitzmann, T., & Wisher, R. (2005, June). The effectiveness of Web-based training compared to classroom instruction: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at the Research-to-Practice Conference, American Society of Training and Development International Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL.
Wisher, R., & Sitzmann, T. (2005, February). What meta-analyses tell us about the effectiveness of e-learning. Paper presented at the American Society for Training and Development TechKnowledge Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
Sitzmann, T., Wisher, R., Stewart, D., & Kraiger, K. (2004). Moderators of the effectiveness of Web-based instruction. In Distance Teaching and Learning Conference Proceedings. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.
Sitzmann, T., Wisher, R., Kraiger, K., & Stewart, D. (2004, August). A meta-analysis on the effectiveness of Web-based instruction. Paper presented at the Distance Teaching and Learning Conference, Madison, WI.
Sitzmann, T., Olson, T. M., Wisher, R., Stewart, D., & Kraiger, K. (2004, April). Moderators of the effectiveness of Web-based instruction. In K. Kraiger (Chair) and B. Hesketh (Discussant), “Advancements in technology-delivered instruction: Research synthesis and novel approaches” at the 19th Annual Meeting of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Chicago, IL.
|