1.1.2 Online Learning vs Face-to-Face

1. Introduction

Online learning and f2f learning: Different Learning Environment, Type of Learning Content, Pace of Learning, Types of Assessments.

1. Online learning can be any type of learning that takes place over the internet. This could be a supplemental course, a full degree program, or self study. More times than not, online learning is asynchronous, as students do not have to learn at the same time and place as their instructors are teaching. Online learning is a method of education whereby students learn in a fully virtual environment. First introduced in the 1990s with the creation of the internet and utilized in distance learning, online learning (also called e-learning) is most prevalent in higher education, enabling students from different geographical areas to engage with an academic institution and other students online and learn flexibly, at their own pace, while working towards a degree or certificate. Online learning refers to an internet-based learning environment that can connect students of diverse backgrounds who boast different perspectives. A higher education institution will use a learning management system, or LMS, to facilitate online learning, which can take the form of asynchronous learning (where students are not required to be online at the same time, and utilize discussion threads and e-mails to complete coursework) or synchronous learning (where students must be online at the same time).
2. Face-to-face learning is an educational method where course content and learning material are taught in person to a group of students. This allows for a live interaction between a learner and an instructor. It is the most traditional type of learning instruction. Learners benefit from a greater level of interaction with their fellow students as well. In face-to-face learning, students are held accountable for their progress at the class’s specific meeting date and time.  Face-to-face learning is essentially a teacher-centered method of education, and tends to vary widely among cultures. 

2. Learning Environment

F2F: The face-to-face classroom can be (but not always is the case) a passive learning environment. In a traditional lecture style class, information is sometimes fed to the student and then passed back to the instructor through written proctored assessments. The environment is also physical. Both student and instructor have the ability to see, hear and pick up on physical cues and body language. 

Online: The Online classroom is typically a more active learning environment. Students must work to acquire information. Through interaction and participation, students take an active role in course material and delivery. In an asynchronous online course, there is a challenge in not being able to “see” the instructor or fellow students in real-time exchanges.

3. Reading Requirements

F2F: Students typically have regular reading assignments from the textbook and other resources provided or referred to by the instructor to supplement material covered in the face-to-face classroom.

Online: As in face-to-face courses, there is typically a textbook from which there are assigned readings as well as supplemental resources provided by the instructor. An online course, however, also requires additional extensive reading not necessarily included in the face-to-face course. Lecture documents, discussion postings, student-to-student and student-to-instructor interactions, course assignments must all be accomplished in writing and acquired by the student through reading.

4. Type of Learning Content

Face-to-face learning methods usually only involve traditional learning materials such as textbooks and lecture notes. An online learning session is more interactive in comparison, with many different types of training.

With the advancement of technology, e-learning modules are supported via digital textbooks, live chat support, community forums, online discussion boards, video and audio materials, interactive quizzes, virtual assignments, and much more. The e-learning training material is provided through online and interactive digital platform (Moodle, Wordpress) that allow the delivery of the training modules.   

5. Path of Learning

F2F: Class meetings occur at a specific time in a specific location according to a set schedule. When in class, the teacher/trainer typically arrange and define the training environment. 

The trainer/teacher leads the learning path in a traditional classroom setting, and students are likely to learn passively.

Online: the students define and organize their own  learning path for much of the work that needs to be completed in an online course. While there are deadlines and due dates that must be met, students typically have quite a bit of flexibility in determining where and at what time of day they participate.

On the other hand, the learner is free to move at their own pace in an eLearning environment. They can stop the learning process whenever needed and revisit modules for better clarity before proceeding with the rest of the course. With the addition of assessments and interactive tools at various points in the learning module, the learner is no longer passive but is active in the learning process.

6. Types of Assessments

F2F: In a traditional learning scenario, the trainer often tests students after delivering a fixed set of learning modules. This is most likely an in-person assessment that is closely monitored and occurs at a specific date, time, and place.

Exams and Quizzes are typically delivered in the face-to-face classroom during regularly scheduled class time. Students are usually monitored during the exam period which is limited to the length of the meeting period.
Review of the assessment typically takes place during a class meeting.

Assessments in eLearning contexts are generally more flexible when compared to traditional methods. Today, eLearning modules have frequent knowledge checks and short assessments in place to ensure that the content has been well received. Exams in an eLearning scenario might be timed and may use screen recorders to ensure integrity. 

Online: Exams and Quizzes are given online. Typically there is a window of opportunity during which a student can begin taking an online exam or quiz, but once started the assessment may be timed. 
Review of the online assessment takes place online. It is up to the teacher which fields are displayed in the feedback, but common review fields include, the question, whether the student got the answer correct or incorrect, the correct answer, comments, and the grade.

7. Assignments (Dropboxes)

F2F: Homework assignments, research papers, labs, etc. are typically submitted to the teacher/tutor in person. Given the dramatic increase in the number of face-to-face courses that utilize online technologies, however, students may be required to submit assignments online in certain face-to-face courses. Review of the graded assignment often takes place within the physical classroom.

Online: Assignments in online courses are typically submitted through an online dropbox. Depending on the settings chosen by the instructor, the student may have the ability to type directly in a message box, attach a file (or number of files), or submit their assignment multiple times. Dropboxes, like assessments have specific opening and closing dates that students must follow.
Review of graded assignments takes place online. When an instructor grades an online assignment there is the opportunity to provide a grade, feedback remarks, and/or a graded file attachment.

8. Group work

F2F: Since students are physically located in the same place at the same time, a face-to-face course is adequate for a group work. Class time can be used for this collaboration and work can be continued among the students after the class is over through scheduled meetings.

Online:  Online courses also often include group work. Instructors have the ability to break their online students up into teams to collaboratively work on projects and interact using the discussion tool. Because most online courses are asynchronous, however, the benefit of being in the same place at the same time does not exist in the online classroom. It is therefore up to each student in the group to keep up with the work involved and do their part.