A comparison of academic success in web-based versus campus-based courses in the Computer Information Systems-Programmer/Analyst Associate Degree program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College New Richmond

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the academic success and course completion rates of students enrolled in traditional classroom courses with those students enrolled in the same courses offered in a web-based format within the Computer Information Systems-Programmer/Analyst (CISPA) Associate Degree at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) New Richmond. Data from courses offered in the fall semester 2001 were included in the research. Six questions were specifically addressed by the study. These questions were: 1. How academically successful are students enrolled in web-based courses? 2. How academically successful are students enrolled in campus-based courses? 3. What is the completion rate of students enrolled web-based courses in the CISPA program? 4. What is the completion rate of students enrolled in campus-based courses in the CISPA program? 5. What are the demographics of students enrolled in web-based courses? 6. What are the demographics of students enrolled in campus-based courses? Results of the study found campus-based courses to have a significantly higher mean grade point average (GPA) than web-based courses. Although completion rates of web based and campus-based courses did not differ, successful completion rates were greater in web-based courses than campus-based courses. Finally, the research revealed that students enrolled in web-based courses tend to be older than those enrolled on campus. No significant difference was discovered between the age or GPA of campus-based male and female students; however, female students enrolled in web based courses have a statistically significant lower GPA than male students.