Do they learn better?
Comparison study in Fall 1998: Taught lecture based PHY231 and compared to PHY231c
Same homework assignments, same exams, same grading system
Virtual university students scored slightly higher on all three exams and on FCI baseline test, and obtained slightly higher final grades (2.93 vs. 2.87) on average
One explanation: putting materials on www forces the students to engage in more active learning
Another: VU students are self-selected group
Planned: Controlled study (Fall 2000)