ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the effectiveness of e-learning by: reviewing the no-significant-difference debate, and reviewing several meta-analyses that compare the effectiveness of e-learning with traditional classroom instruction. It provides the guidelines to help organizational decision-makers determine whether e-learning is a feasible option for their training needs, or if another delivery method might be more appropriate. The chapter identifies the best practices for e-learning courses as discussed in the literature. Several meta-analyses that assess the comparative effectiveness of various forms of distance education (DE) and traditional classroom instruction have been published. One side states that it is illogical to perform comparative research assessing the differences between e-learning and classroom instruction, because it is the content of instruction that impacts learning, rather than the delivery method itself. The counterargument to the no-significant-difference approach is that e-learning allows for innovative instructional design practices that are not feasible in a classroom setting.
