The document compares the results of two studies on distance education. The first study found that internet-based distance education was significantly better than face-to-face education. However, the second study by Green and Gentemann found no significant differences between online and face-to-face courses in terms of student expectations, benefits, retention, or grades. It did find that online students spent more time using computers for more purposes.

1. Comparison between two
different studies

2.  Study title: Overcoming the "No Significant Difference" Phenomenon in
Distance Education by Internet
 Author: Sahin, C. S.
 Appear in the :Andolu University, Turkey http://aof.edu.tr/iodl2006
 Result: "... when compared to face to face education with Internet
Based Distance Education, there is a significant difference in favor of the
Internet Based Distance education."

3.  Study title: Technology in the Curriculum: An Assessment of the Impact of
On-Line Courses.
 Author: Green, R. & Gentemann, K.
 Appear in the :George Mason University, 2001
 Result: There were no significant pre- and post-course differences on the
items related to students expectations and perceived benefits for OLC vs.
FTF courses ... There were no significant differences between students in
the OLC compared to students in the FTF courses for course retention or
course grade... but there were increases in the amount of time and the
purposes for which students used computers."
http://assessment.gmu.edu/reports/Eng302...