Effects of Teaching through Online Teacher versus Real Teacher on Student Learning in the Classroom

Abstract

This study was conducted with the purpose of comparing the effect of teaching of the online teacher with that of the real teacher on the students' learning in the university classroom. The study was conducted in the academic year 2009-2010. The sample of the study consisted of 80 students working either in control group or experimental group, 40 in each. The subjects were chosen and assigned by cluster sampling method. For data gathering, a 40 item test was administered in given time intervals to measure prior knowledge, achievement and retention of learning. Research methodology is of empirical, applied, and prospective nature. For data analysis, a t-test for comparing the differences between mean scores was employed. Based on the findings of this study, it appears that to overcome the lack of skilled university instructors, one could use online teachers. The quality of learning provided by the online teacher is the same as the one provided by the real teacher. In the university classrooms, one can use online teachers instead of the real teacher for a number of reasons. Finally, the degree of learning retention in both types of instruction (online versus traditional) is the same.

Keywords

• Online learning, Virtual teaching, Face-to-face instruction, Online teacher, Distance education

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