1.1.2 Online Learning vs Face-to-Face
Completion requirements
An analysis of different Learning Environment, Type of Learning Content, Pace of Learning, Types of Assessments that distinguish Online learning and f2f learning.
1. Introduction
Online learning and f2f learning: Different Learning Environment, Type of Learning Content, Pace of Learning, Types of Assessments.
- 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).
- 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.