[0]We Know eLearningi [0] Works - Here is the Researchi [0]
Eastern spiritual psychologies base individual knowledge of the truth on one or more of these means (Ram Das):
1 You see it with your own eyes;
2. Someone you trust says it is so;
3. It is congruent of your understanding of the world.
Most of us have seen effective eLearning in a computer lab, classroom or home. We have all heard a wide ranging set of experts from Susan Patrick to Alan November praise the virtues of eLearning for K-12 education. With our wide ranging technological experiences at work, travel, home and entertainment it seems logical that eLearning would provide significant increases in productivity, interactivity, individualization and enjoyment over the legacy education.
For the most part this model for truth works pretty well for the Western world. But when a major system needs to be transformed and massive amounts of funding are required cries are heard, “Where is the research?”
Fortunately for eLearning’s application to K-12 education there are two meta-analysis studies that can be referenced. These gold-standard studies have originated from two of the most credible research arenas: Department of Defense and University:
One is a general study on the use of eLearning to enhance academic performancei [0]. It is authored by Dexter Fletcher of the Institute for Defense Analysis.
Technology the Columbus Effect, and the Third Revolutioni [0] in Learning – 2004,
http://azelearning.net/system/files/FletcherTechColumbus3rdRevolution_0.pdf [0]
The other is a focused study on the use of eLearning to enhance middle school reading. It is authored by David Pearson of U.C. Berkeley; Richard Fergig of U. of Florida; Robert Blomeyer of North Central Regional Education Laboratory and Juan Moran U. of Illinois.
The Effects of Technology on Reading Performance in the Middle-School Grades: A Meta-Analysis With Recommendations for Policy – 2005,
http://azelearning.net/system/files/2005NovMCRelBlowmyerpearson_0.pdf [0]
The unique aspects of both these papers are that their reported effect factors ranged from 0.42 to 2.2 for Fletcher and 0.50 for Pearson. The real “effect” on academic performance is that an effect factor of 0.30 will move a C student into B student performance level. It will rescue an F student with a C education. Given the resource and system constrains of legacy education, eLearning is the only cost effective means to transform K-12 education so all our children can flourish during this 21st century.