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Prins, E., Kassab, C., Drayton, B., & Gungor, R. Use and impact of GED distance learning options on student outcomes. Funder: Center for Rural Pennsylvania ($50,000). 2009-10

The Goodling Institute partnered with the Center for Rural Pennsylvania to investigate the types, use, and effectiveness of distance learning (DL) for General Education Development (GED®) candidates in rural Pennsylvania. Specifically, the study sought to identify the types and use of GED® distance education in rural Pennsylvania; describe the demographic characteristics and participation patterns of rural GED® students in DL and face-to-face classes; determine the effectiveness of DL in preparing rural students to pass the GED® tests; assess the cost of DL provision; and examine the advantages and disadvantages of DL for GED® study. The primary data sources included the Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education’s (ABLE) e-Data system and GED® Demographics survey, a telephone survey of non-ABLE DL providers, and telephone interviews with a key informant and DL staff members and students from ABLE-funded programs. The research found that DL is as effective as face-to-face classes in preparing students to pass the GED® tests.