Running Head: LEARNING IN A TRADITIONAL & ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

Learning in a Traditional & Online Environment

Katrina Matthews, M ED
December 7, 2014

LEARNING IN A TRADITIONAL AND ONLINE ENVIROMENT

Purpose Statement
The purpose of this study is to determine whether those in virtual classrooms achieve
comparatively or exceed those in traditional classroom settings. This is very important when
trying to determine if online students test scores are comparable to those that receive
information and test in a traditional classroom. This study will allow the researcher to determine
if information delivered using modern day technology actually enhances learning and largely
contributes to higher achievement. Kazu and Mehmet (2014) believe student achievement is
greatly affected by the exposure to technology whether it be online or elsewhere. Engaged
learners retain more of what is learned, thereby performing better than those that are not.
Are online students scoring higher than those in a traditional classroom setting. This
research will give sound foundation on which to base the findings. Research will determine if
learning is affected by delivery, use, and/or technology itself. It addresses the overall questions of
achievement, while making the distinction between online and traditional class settings.
Dougherty (2012) believes timeliness of information is key. Students need to be able to receive a
response regarding their questions almost immediately. Research indicates this will enhance
overall learning and keeps students engaged.
Are the online students scores affected by the type of technology used to deliver the
information or the general lack of understanding of the information itself. Student achievement
is the common factor and basis for this research. However, it is important to determine if
achievement is affected by the non-traditional setting, or if the student is simply struggling
because of the nature of the information being taught. According to Martin, Parker, and Deale
(2012) it is important for students to use additional technology when in an online setting so that

LEARNING IN A TRADITIONAL AND ONLINE ENVIROMENT

they remain interested. This research will address overall understanding and help to decide if
some topics are too complex to be covered outside of a traditional classroom setting.
METHOD
Participants
Conducting the study would involve gathering information from students using virtual
environments. The study would involve college students from many different backgrounds,
ethnicities, and social statuses. The participants are all equal on the collegiate level so individual
economic status would not be considered. All participants who are enrolled at the university at
least part-time have access to the same resources. The one common factor would be that they are
all taking classes online or a combination.
The sample size would consist of four classes, two online and two traditional, with at
least 25 participants, not to exceed 30 per class. These participants would be chosen by a
computer program at random from a select group of courses being taught online. Utilizing a
software program to randomly choose participants, as well as assist with data analysis, eliminates
the human factor of bias that could exist within the research.
Research Design & Procedures
Participants would be chosen randomly by the use of a software program designed for
research studies. They will be chosen from classes taught by professors who teach online and in
traditional classroom settings. The researcher will observe them in the traditional and nontraditional classroom setting. The information taught will be provided to both and will be exactly
the same. The researcher will take note of the questions asked by online and traditional
participants while the exact same information is delivered but in different forms. The participants
will be given an explanation as to why their feedback is important. They will also be given a date

LEARNING IN A TRADITIONAL AND ONLINE ENVIROMENT

range as to when the observations will take place and told they will not have to change behaviors
to participate. The participants would be given a beginning and ending date to complete an
online survey. The survey would take into consideration the students feelings about online
learning and teaching as well as various teaching methods.
Instruments
Observations. This is relevant to both research questions. Participants online and in the
traditional setting are introduced to new content around the same time. Observations will be
made to determine overall understanding of content including the number of questions asked,
their relevancy, and actual grades. This allows the researcher to determine if the participants have
an understanding of the content in the form it is being delivered, or if the information is just too
difficult to grasp leading to a fall in achievement.
Survey. This is relevant to both survey questions. Participants will be asked a series of
questions regarding online learning as it compares to traditional classroom learning. The survey
will also have some feeling questions in it in an attempt to eliminate the bias that exist
because the participants may be having a bad day or may not be fond of a particular instructor.
The survey will consist of open ended questions that allow the participants to expound on their
experience. i.e.: Choose any unit of your choice and explain how the content delivered could
have been improved upon. This will allow participants to express their understanding, while
giving insight on the content itself.
Assessments. This is relevant to both research questions. After completing observations of
both participants and them being introduces to new content, they will be given an assessment in
project form or in the traditional test form and the results analyzed. Before the assessment,
participants will be given the opportunity to ask and have their questions answered. In the

LEARNING IN A TRADITIONAL AND ONLINE ENVIROMENT

traditional classroom setting, questions are asked verbally and answered with the class there to
hear the responses, while in the online classroom questions and answers will be posted on the
message board. The assessment will give researchers the opportunity to see firsthand the results
and compare traditional as well as online.

LEARNING IN A TRADITIONAL AND ONLINE ENVIROMENT

References
Dougherty, K. (2012). Transforming teaching and learning through the virtual classroom.
College Quarterly, 15(4).
Kazu, I. Y., & Demirkol, M. (2014). Effect of blended learning environment model on high
school students academic achievement. The Turkishh Online Journal of Educational
Technology, 13(1), 78-87.
Martin, F., Parker, M. A., & Deale, D. (2012). Examining interactivity in synchronous virtual
classrooms. The Internationa Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 13(3),
228-260.
Moon-Heum, C., & Shen, D. (2013). Self regulation in online learning. Distance Education,
34(3), 290-301.
Oyarzun, B. A., Morrison, G. R. (2013). Cooperative learning effects on achievement and
community of inquiry in online education. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education,
14(4), 182-194.