A Comparative Study of Distributed Learning Environments on Learning Outcomes
Authors: Alavi, Maryam; Marakas, George M.; Yoo, Youngjin
Journal: Information Systems Research (2002)
<jats:p>Advances in information and communication technologies have fueled rapid growth in the popularity of technology-supported distributed learning (DL). Many educational institutions, both academic and corporate, have undertaken initiatives that leverage the myriad of available DL technologies. Despite their rapid growth in popularity, however, alternative technologies for DL are seldom systematically evaluated for learning efficacy. Considering the increasing range of information and communication technologies available for the development of DL environments, we believe it is paramount for studies to compare the relative learning outcomes of various technologies.</jats:p><jats:p>In this research, we employed a quasi-experimental field study approach to investigate the relative learning effectiveness of two collaborative DL environments in the context of an executive development program. We also adopted a framework of hierarchical characteristics of group support system (GSS) technologies, outlined by DeSanctis and Gallupe (1987), as the basis for characterizing the two DL environments.</jats:p><jats:p>One DL environment employed a simple e-mail and listserv capability while t…