Research suggests that the quality of online courses is dependent upon the quality of the course design and the instructor. As a matter of fact, a comparative study of students in a social statistics course at California State University actually resulted in online students scoring twenty-percent higher than traditional students on two major course exams. Furthermore, it is well known that student-centered activities are often more effective than direct instruction. As a result, Rockford Lutheran Online provides the type of learning activities that promote student learning. Depending upon the course students may be expected to purchase one or more books.
Interpersonal communication is different in a virtual classroom.
However, different does not necessarily mean bad. There are unique interpersonal strengths and weaknesses to online classes. For example, some studies have revealed more meaningful communication about course content in an online setting. Since many activities in an online course allow students to work at their own pace and contribute when they are ready, online courses may lack the spontaneous dialogue that takes places in a physical class. At the same time, the lack of spontaneity is replaced with student communication that is more reflective.