A Comparative Analysis of Learning Experience in A Traditional vs. Virtual Classroom Setting （上）_计算机网络论文.docVIP

A Comparative Analysis of Learning Experience in A Traditional vs. Virtual Classroom Setting （上）_计算机网络论文 A Comparative Analysis of Learning Experience in A Traditional vs. Virtual Classroom Setting （上）_计算机网络论文 Abstract This paper, based on an empirical analysis, compares students attitudes and performance for a graduate Financial Management course, which was taught through two different modes (online and traditional) of course delivery. In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of other studies comparing different modes of education, this study designed a similar learning environment for both online and traditional groups. Over three semesters a questionnaire, addressing four major criteria or indices (Web utility, interactivity, learning experience, and overall satisfaction) that captured nineteen attributes (variables), was distributed to both groups. After computing the indices and analyzing the collected data, the study concluded that there is no significant difference between the two groups of students attitudes and performance. Keywords: distance education, online vs. face-to-face Introduction: Instruction involves the development and communication of knowledge through a viable medium. The medium around which teaching/learning has transpired has undergone a variety of changes in form over the years, from home schooling to traditional classroom (face-to-face) to distance education and its new form, computer mediated communication (CMC), known as the virtual classroom. In a traditional medium (classroom setting), instruction is accomplished through lecturing and interaction of students/students and students/faculty. However, recently with technological advancements in computing and the advent of the Internet, computers as a mere instructional tool are being transformed to a medium through which the instruction is being delivered. It is observed that the application of computers in instruction has resulted in a more active involvement of students in their own l