Studies of ALN: an empirical assessment

This analysis of research literature seeks to gain insight into the study of the effectiveness of asynchronous learning networks (ALN). The terminology of ALN was coined by the Sloan Foundation to distinguish anytime/anyplace computer mediated communications (CMC), such as bulletin boards and email, from same time versions of distance learning. A database of material gathered from the papers reporting the studies is described. The current picture of that data is highlighted and discussed. A framework of three sets of factors related to ALN effectiveness is described. Within this framework an analysis of the current collection of papers is offered. From the 15 papers in which the effectiveness of ALN was compared to that for face-to-face classes, 2/3 reported it was more effective, and the remainder reported "no significant difference." Additional papers are expected to be supportive of a need for better research techniques in the ALN community.