The Use of Computer Simulation to Compare Student performance in Traditional versus Distance Learning Environments
Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology
• Volume 12
• 2015
• pp. 095-109
Simulations have been shown to be an effective tool in traditional learning environments; however, as distance learning grows in popularity, the need to examine simulation effectiveness in this environment has become paramount. A casual-comparative design was chosen for this study to determine whether students using a computer-based instructional simulation in hybrid and fully online environments learned better than traditional classroom learners. The study spans a period of 6 years beginning fall 2008 through spring 2014. The population studied was 281 undergraduate business students self-enrolled in a 200-level microcomputer application course. The overall results support previous studies in that computer simulations are most effective when used as a supplement to face-to-face lectures and in hybrid environments.
computer simulation, traditional classroom, distance learning, hybrid, face-to-face teaching, lectures and demonstrations, student performance
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