Improving the Effectiveness of Distributed Learning

A Research and Policy Agenda

Susan G. Straus, Jolene Galegher, Michael G. Shanley, Joy S. Moini

ResearchPublished Jul 6, 2006

As part of an ambitious plan to transform its training practices, the U.S. Army is in the process of converting 525 training courses to distributed learning (DL) by the year 2010. DL provides decentralized training using one or more information and communication technologies or a combination of classroom training and technology-mediated training. This report reviews the state of research on learning outcomes in DL, particularly in comparison to residential learning (RL), which is the current standard for training. The report also presents a series of recommendations concerning (1) the development of a research agenda focused on the effects of variations in the design of DL rather than the comparison of DL and RL, (2) methodological strategies for improving the quality of research on DL, and (3) policies to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of DL. Adopting these recommendations can help the Army use DL to realize its vision of transforming training and providing life-long learning for multiskilled soldiers.

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  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Available
  • Year: 2006
  • Print Format: Paperback
  • Paperback Pages: 8
  • Paperback Price: $12.00
  • Document Number: OP-156-A

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RAND Style Manual
Straus, Susan G., Jolene Galegher, Michael G. Shanley, and Joy S. Moini, Improving the Effectiveness of Distributed Learning: A Research and Policy Agenda, RAND Corporation, OP-156-A, 2006. As of September 11, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP156.html
Chicago Manual of Style
Straus, Susan G., Jolene Galegher, Michael G. Shanley, and Joy S. Moini, Improving the Effectiveness of Distributed Learning: A Research and Policy Agenda. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2006. https://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP156.html. Also available in print form.
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The research described in this report was sponsored by the United States Army and conducted by the RAND Arroyo Center.

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