E-learning vs traditional education: a meta analysis of distance learning technologies

Abstract

Providing students with learning opportunities outside the classroom is not a new concept. Since the late 1880's, various educational 
institutions have madecertain courses available through written correspondence. Though relatively narrow in scope and reach, these for ays into distance education were an impetus into a way o f thinking about the future of delivering education that continues to evolve. Could any   of those forward thinking educators have imagined anything near what is available today? Can today's distance educators envision the  possibilities that will reveal them selves in the not too distant future?  As society and technology have advanced, so has the evolution of distance education. From radio to television and now to the  networked computer, distance education has adapted itself to the most relevant and effective form of delivery available (Mclsaac &  Gunawardena, 1996). Basing their finding on survey results, the authors present and evaluate three significant distance education  modalities (Conventional Labs, Software Simulation, and Remote Labs). This article probes w hat distance education has to offer by  analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each of these assessed modalities in an effort to help educators and professionals recognize the depth, offerings, a n d limitations o f these emerging technologies.