1.1.2 Online Learning vs Face-to-Face
An analysis of different Learning Environment, Type of Learning Content, Pace of Learning, Types of Assessments that distinguish Online learning and f2f learning.
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.
- It is taken as the traditional classroom environment (the usual chalk and talk).
- Traditional in-seat instructional environment. Also referred to as brick-and-mortar school.
- A traditional classroom setting whereby learners are physically present in the classroom together. Learn more in: Online Learning Teams
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.
- A learning environment with no physical location and in which the instructors and students are separated by space.
- This type of environment normally is housed within a e-learning management system (LMS) framework, that includes not only areas of information deposit for the learner’s engagement, but also the additional instructional tools such as board discussions, chat sessions, small group areas, in-course private mail, and many online learning environments offer additional social learning resources.
- Learning platform that allows sharing of educational materials with the learners via the web. Examples include Moodle.
- Online didactic context that promotes students learning.
- The environment and setting of where learning takes place is online.
- The online learning environment refers to the e-learning environment used for knowledge acquisition within computer mediated digital systems
- Web-based platform/classroom that provides instructional and educational experiences for students and teachers. This is meant to provide a learning environment in which students and instructors/teachers are located in separate physical spaces.