2,434
Views
119
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original

The failure of e-learning research to inform educational practice, and what we can do about it

Pages 158-162 | Published online: 03 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

When a new technology is introduced, earlier studies focus on demonstrations of efficacy, followed by studies comparing the new technology against the old. However, such studies do little to advance the new technology. Using an analogy with the automobile the author argues that e-learning is neither inherently superior nor inferior to traditional instruction; rather they are different and complementary. Each can effectively serve different purposes and functions suited to its strengths. A recent meta-analysis of internet-based instruction concluded that existing research provides reassurance that e-learning is better than nothing and similar (on average) to traditional instruction, but yields little guidance on how to effectively use e-learning. e-Learning research to-date has done little to inform educational practice, and further no-intervention-controlled studies or comparisons with traditional instructional methods are not needed. Instead, we need to clarify how and when to use e-learning through ‘basic science’ research and ‘field tests’ comparing one e-learning intervention to another.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David A. Cook

DAVID COOK, MD, MHPE, is Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Office of Education Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and Consultant in the Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.