No abstract

There are growing trends in postsecondary education that emphasize the importance of online and technology-enabled learning. This study aims to investigate whether the use of virtual, interactive, real-time, instructor-led (VIRI) online learning can deliver the same student performance and engagement outcomes as a face-to-face (F2F) course. The data consist of 698 participants taught in eight sections, over two semesters, with two different instructors. An analysis of variance was used to compare the differences for both student performance and engagement outcomes. The findings show that a synchronous course delivered using VIRI classroom technology has the same level of student performance outcomes as F2F learning. This study suggests that VIRI technology is an effective synchronous learning environment.

No abstract

Previous research on blended course offerings focuses on the addition of asynchronous online content to an existing course. While some explore synchronous communication, few control for differences between treatment groups. This study investigates the impact of teaching a blended course, using a virtual, interactive, real-time, instructor-led (VIRI) classroom, on student engagement, performance, and satisfaction. We use an experimental design with both a control group and a treatment group. Up to 90 students in a large urban university are randomly assigned by the registrar into two sections of an introductory marketing course. Using a pre- and post-semester questionnaire, the study measures student engagement, performance, and satisfaction. There are no statistical differences in student performance between the control and treatment groups. The only student engagement factor with a statistically significant difference between groups is student interest in their courses. Compared with the control group, the treatment group appears to be more interested (+10%) in their courses at the end of the semester. Finally, fewer than 2 in 10 students express dissatisfaction with their participation in a VIRI course. Blended course offerings are increasing in importance in marketing and business education. The study provides guidance for fine-tuning the features of those course offerings by demonstrating how a VIRI classroom leverages the capabilities of technology without compromising learning outcomes.

Contemporary instructors face a growing paradox: pedagogical research espouses the benefits of interactive learning, yet, due to funding pressures, large class sizes challenge their ability to implement these practices. The present research investigates how digital solutions, specifically an online adaptive reading technology (OART), can mitigate these divergent forces. The OART is a self-paced software solution that mimics an offline textbook with functionality (e.g., quizzes, progress indicators) that adapts to student needs and facilitates class preparation in an interactive manner. Drawing on empirical evidence from a multiclass field study, the findings indicate that the technology improves student perceptions of engagement with the course and their academic performance. Notably, however, these benefits primarily arise when students take an “all-in” approach, and complete the material in its entirety, even when compared with students who completed most of the material. These findings offer both theoretical and practical implications for key stakeholders.