© MC Quinn

Since e-learning is relatively new, the quality of these courses tend to vary. There is no standard "best practices" for what makes a good online course.

Several recent studies have investigated the matter. The latest, from the Journal of Online Teaching and Learning, has some notable insights to share:

"Among other things, data suggest that meaningful social interaction and emotions may be important components in powerful learning experiences. In addition, the data suggest that powerful learning can indeed occur in e-learning environments. Results of this study combine with those from three previous studies to point toward practices of instructional designers and educators that may contribute to powerful learning in e-learning environments."

How to online instructors create these "powerful" learning environments? Take a look at the full study to learn more.