Online delivery is a significant educational innovation. The opinions, ideas and research that surround it are often contradictory and more ideological than empirical. This consolidation study concentrates on the major questions about the effectiveness of online delivery of education and training in Australia, including questions about: improved student outcomes; impacts on teachers and learners, beneficiaries and casualties; teacher/trainer preparation; pedagogy; materials design; and learner diversity. There is a focus on areas of contention. The study contains a review of the...  [+] Show more

Online delivery is a significant educational innovation. The opinions, ideas and research that surround it are often contradictory and more ideological than empirical. This consolidation study concentrates on the major questions about the effectiveness of online delivery of education and training in Australia, including questions about: improved student outcomes; impacts on teachers and learners, beneficiaries and casualties; teacher/trainer preparation; pedagogy; materials design; and learner diversity. There is a focus on areas of contention. The study contains a review of the literature, establishing a set of preconditions necessary if the main goal of improved learning outcomes for students/users in an online environment is to be achieved. Guideposts for further research and thought are provided.