A Comparison of Course Delivery Methods: An Exercise in Experimental Economics
11 Pages Posted: 9 Apr 2007
Date Written: March 2007
Abstract
This paper compares student performance in traditional and online classes using a methodological framework free from problems affecting past studies including self-selection bias that beset many earlier studies. The data employed in this study consists of 1) students' test scores in Principles of Macroeconomics courses, 2) students' academic information collected from the registrar's office, and 3) students' personal information collected from a survey completed by students involved in the study. Using a two-stage least squares model we find that the average grade for the students in the online class is almost two letter grades lower than the average grade for students in the traditional class, ceteris paribus.
JEL Classification: I21
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation