Does online participation improve student learning outcomes? Evidence from a business forecasting course in Australia

The rapid development of the internet and its ever changing capabilities has witnessed an enormous increase in the utilization of web-based software for the teaching of education courses, particularly at university level. It is 'commonly' argued that computer mediated communication is effective in improving student learning outcomes when used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching or alternatively, as a complete substitute for face-to face teaching. Interestingly, many of the empirical studies in this area have explored the use of web-based software as a substitute for face-to-face teaching. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine whether online class participation improves student learning outcomes in a Business Forecasting course when used in conjunction with face-to face teaching.