The evaluation of alternate learning systems in an industrial engineering course: Asynchronous, synchronous and classroom

Web-based asynchronous learning systems have revolutionized the learning environment. Rapid advances in computer technology, the internet and transmission technology have created new opportunities for delivering instruction. It is anticipated that these technologies will dramatically change the way instruction will be imparted throughout the educational system. One example is asynchronous learning wherein instruction can be delivered at any place at any time on demand. If we are to use this new mode of delivering and receiving instruction, we need to fully understand its advantages and limitations to existing forms of delivering instruction. In response to this need, this paper describes a study conducted to evaluate the usefulness of delivering instruction asynchronously. The study compared three forms of instruction: classroom, synchronous and asynchronous using student subjects from an industrial engineering course. Even though the results of this study are specific to the industrial engineering course considered, the results could throw new light into the usefulness of the Internet and asynchronous learning in other learning environments. Relevance to industry This paper evaluates the usefulness of advanced learning systems in delivering instructions in an academic environment for a specific industrial engineering course. The results of this study could be further expanded to develop distance-learning programs. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.