Learning economics in an online environment: Evaluating the impact of collaborative learning and instructional audio/video on learner achievement, goal orientation, self-efficacy, sense of learning community, and attrition

Teaching learners at a distance has long been problematic for educational institutions. A significant body of research has espoused the advantages of recorded audio and/or video as it relates to student learning. Additionally, much research has been conducted indicating that collaborative learning strategies can result in positive learner outcomes.; This study measured the impact the use of recorded instructional lectures via audio and video along with collaborative learning strategies had on learner achievement, goal orientation, self-efficacy, sense of learning community, and attrition when utilized in an online economics course.; The results suggest that student learning was enhanced by exposure to the audio/video and exposure to collaborative learning strategies. Some gains in learner self-efficacy were indicated. Further, student attrition rates were significantly lower for those students assigned to a collaborative learning group.