Meta-analyzing the effect of online learning on academic achievement in higher education during COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Interactive learning environments Vol. 33; no. 2; pp. 1712 - 1734
• Main Authors: Xiong, Yanqing, Fang, Shixin, Shen, Menghan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 07.02.2025; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Colleges & universities; Control Groups; COVID-19; Distance learning; Education; Electronic Learning; Experimental Groups; Higher education; In Person Learning; Meta Analysis; Online learning; Pandemics; Students
• ISSN: 1049-4820; 1744-5191
• DOI: 10.1080/10494820.2024.2375347

Investigating the influence of the emergency transition to online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic can significantly enhance our understanding of the benefits and limitations of technology in higher education. We aim to assess the effect of online learning on college students' academic achievement compared to face-to-face learning during the Covid-19 crisis. This study utilizes a meta-analysis approach, examining 35 research studies conducted in 17 different countries and regions from 2020 to 2023, through an extensive database search encompassing the Web of Science Core Collection, EBSCO Host, JSTOR, Springerlink, and SCOPUS. The sample size comprised 8079 students, with 4160 assigned to the experimental group (online) and 3919 to the control group (face-to-face). We found that online learning yields a modest and positive effect (g = 0.336, 95% CI [0.139-0.534]) on students' academic achievement. The effect was consistent across class years and exam types but varied by subject, benefiting students in medicine, engineering, and natural sciences, while negatively affecting social sciences. Additionally, the effect of online learning shows a stronger positive impact on the academic achievement of students from lower-income level nations. Our research indicates that online learning could be a viable and potentially equalizing force in higher education.