Yes, they should be testing software-based learning against other forms of private (self-directed) learning, as well as (face-to-face) instruction.

Remote-instructor learning through software differs markedly from the same through books in a variety of ways. ie the software can provide more compelling extrinsic motivations, but can also provide increased distractions (both if used on a computer with internet access, and through the affordance of screen-based tools).

So its good not to treat this as an either or problem (does software work as well as face-to-face) because there's a number of other considerations (is the face-to-face personal or lecture hall, is the software highly interactive with immediate feedback, etc