Giguère, L. (2009) The Impact of ‘Virtualization’ on Independent Study Course Completion Rates: The British Columbia Open University Experiment Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 49-70
This carefully conducted study compares the impact of offering an online component (virtualisation) to print-based ‘independent learning’ courses. A main conclusion:
‘Online SCRBs (successful completion rates) are consistently higher than off-line SCRBs. Online SCRBs gains follow a clear pattern: they increase with course level and subject matter classifications and are particularly large at the upper-level and in more quantitative disciplines (up to 21.2% increase).’
Dr. Tony Bates is the author of eleven books in the field of online learning and distance education. He has provided consulting services specializing in training in the planning and management of online learning and distance education, working with over 40 organizations in 25 countries. Tony is a Research Associate with Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training Network.
