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.