Cost and Effectiveness of Home Study Using Asynchronous Computer Conferencing for Reserve Component Training

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness and costs of home study using asynchronous computer conferencing (ACC) for the Reserve Component (RC). A portion of the Engineer Officer Advanced Course was taught to RC officers using paper, video, and computer-based training materials; students and instructional staff communicated with each other using computer conferencing. A control group consisted of RC officers taking the same course in residence at the U.S. Army Engineer School. The findings were as follows: (1) ACC training costs less than resident training, (2) ACC and resident test and performance measures did not differ, (3) ACC students perceived a greater learning benefit than resident students, and (4) completion rates were higher for resident than for ACC students. These results indicate that ACC may be a cost-effective alternative to resident training for the RC.