Current comparative research literature, is inconclusive in its findings, as to the quality of distance education vs. face-to-face methods of delivery. The purpose of the study therefore, was to synthesize the singular results of these comparative studies, and provide a comprehensive answer to the quality question, by adopting a meta-analytic approach. This meta-analysis of 86 effect sizes calculated from experimental and quasi-experimental studies, compared the differences between the academic performance of students enrolled in distance education courses, relative to those ...