The document summarizes two studies that compare academic performance in traditional face-to-face courses versus distance education courses.
The first study found statistically significant differences in final grades, with students in face-to-face courses earning higher average grades than those in distance education courses.
The second, more recent study found no significant differences in student achievement between online distance education and face-to-face education when comparing multiple studies and controlling for pre-testing.
The document concludes that while different formats may achieve outcomes at different levels, both face-to-face and distance education can be effective learning environments as technology has advanced, and achievement is not solely dependent on technology or format.