On-line vs. On-Campus Learning
TERC has published a study comparing the results of two classes on science education. One took place on campus, the other online. You can read about it at their website at http://www.terc.edu/TEMPLATE/publications/item.cfm?PublicationID=92.
I just took a quick spin through the research, and I don’t think I’d give it too much weight in terms of proving the value of online learning. The populations were small (only around 15 online participants and 17 on-campus) in each of the sections), and they self-selected which treatment they were in.
There was some very interesting information, though. There is a comparison of the experiences of the instructors and participants, and where they felt there was benefit to online versus face-to-face instruction. I think there are some aspects of learning and interaction that are truly enhanced in an online environment. However, what this study does more than anything is create a great list of questions that need further research.
Personally, I still think the best approach will be a combination of face-to-face and online interaction!