Distance Learning Instruction: as Effective as Face-to-face Instruction?

1 John D. Carpinelli, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, [email protected] 2 Vladimir Briller, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Office of Institutional Research and Planning, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, [email protected] Abstract  This paper presents the results of an analysis of the performance of two groups of computer engineering students who enrolled in a course in computer architecture. The first group took the course in a traditional classroom in face-to-face mode while the other group took the course in distance learning mode using an asynchronous learning network. Students were placed in the groups according to their wish, thus making the mode of learning self-selective. Both versions of the course cover the same material and were taught by the same instructor. The analysis tracks the performance of students, both in this course, and in a computer engineering design laboratory course for which this course is a prerequisite.