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Abstract
This study is designed to determine if there are significant differences in learning and satisfaction in students who took computer courses delivered in traditional format or online distance education format at a Georgia technical college. The study first addresses learning in students who took Computer Information Systems (CIS) courses online and those who took the courses in a traditional face-to-face format. The study then examines differences in student satisfaction between the two groups. Finally, the research attempts to uncover differences in student characteristics between students who enrolled in online CIS courses and those students who enrolled in the traditional face-to-face format. Studies are needed to add to the small body of research in the area of online distance education in technical colleges. Little research is available concerning distance education in two-year technical colleges, and less research still that is specifically related to distance education in technical colleges in Georgia. Research also is needed to improve the experience of technical college students and increase their chances for academic success. This study found no significant difference in learning outcomes for students in online courses versus face-to-face format. This study indicates that the two groups of students did differ significantly in overall level of student satisfaction, although the findings suggest that the majority of students in both course formats were either satisfied or very satisfied with their course. Student demographic characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups of students tested.