Comparing Modes of Delivery

 

Face-to-Face Learning		Online Learning		Blended Learning
Similarities	Differences	Similarities	Differences	Similarities	Differences
Individual learning.	Additional assistance is offered.	It is more cost effective.	The learning environment could be anywhere. E.g., home or work.	Easier access to helpful online materials anywhere and anytime.	Technology can be challenging, rather than useful.
Discussion and collaboration.	Involve traditional learning materials such as textbooks and lecture notes.	It’s easier to scale. e.g., how many people could fit in a room.	The various type of learning content.	Learners can benefit from the comfort of digital materials.	Teachers can be overwork.
Social aspect. Learning with your peers, in the same room.	Teaching assistant is direct.	It’s available when and where learners are.	Pace of learning.	Students get more time for learning.	Plagiarism is more prevalent.
		It’s more consistent.	Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Interaction.	It can promote deeper learning and increase student satisfaction.	Some students don’t have access to technology or internet connection.
		It’s more interactive at times.	Types of assessments.	Blended learning presents an increased opportunity for students to connect with their professors and teachers.	Distractions at home. For example, their family, pets, urgent job tasks and smartphone notifications.

Stengths of Online Delivery

Anywhere

The main advantage of asynchronous online learning is that it allows students to participate in high quality learning situations when distance and schedule make on-ground learning difficult-to-impossible.

Anytime and Any Pace.

The Virtual Classroom is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Time efficiency is another strength brought by the online learning format.

Synergy

The online format allows a dynamic interaction between the instructor and students and among the students themselves.

High Quality Dialog

Within an online asynchronous discussion structure, the learner may reflect on comments from others before responding or moving on to the next item.

Student-Centered

Within an online discussion, the individual student responds to the course material (lectures and course books).For example, to comments on other students work. 

Level Playing Field

In the online environment, learners have a certain measure of anonymity. Discriminating factors are largely absent. For example, age gender or race. 

Access to Resources

Students have access to resources and materials that may be physically located anywhere in the world.

Creative Teaching

The literature of adult education supports the use of interactive learning environments as contributing to self-direction and critical thinking. (1)

Weaknesses of Online Delivery

Technology

o    EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY TO TECHNOLOGY

Before any online program can hope to succeed, it must have students who are able to access the online learning environment.

o   COMPUTER LITERACY

Both students and facilitators must possess a minimum level of computer knowledge in order to function successfully in an online environment.

o   LIMITATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY

User friendly and reliable technology is critical to a successful online program.

The Students

o   While an online method of education can be a highly effective alternative medium of education for the mature, self-disciplined student, it is an inappropriate learning environment for more dependent learners.

 The Facilitator

o   LACK OF ESSENTIAL ONLINE QUALITIES

Successful on-ground instruction does not always translate to successful online instruction. If facilitators are not properly trained in online delivery and methodologies, the success of the online program will be compromised.

 The Administration and Faculty

o   Some environments are disruptive to the successful implementation of an online program. Administrators and/or faculty members who are uncomfortable with change and working with technology, or feel that online programs cannot offer quality education, often inhibit the process of implementation.

 The Online Environment

o   LEVELS OF SYNERGY

Online learning has its most promising potential in the high synergy represented by active dialog among the participants, one of the most important sources of learning in a Virtual Classroom. For example, what should be taught online and how the curriculum will be delivered. (1)

Strengths of Face -to-Face Delivery

o   The instructor can observe facial and body language of learners during the teaching/learning process.

o   Real time demonstrations using all senses can be observed and learned.

o   Multiple communication form can be used which enhances learning.(1)

      Weaknesses of Face -to-Face Delivery

o   Doesn't provide flexibility, learner has to be present and instructor has to be present at same time same venue.

o   A missed lesson is difficult to recover for the learner.

o   When instructor is absent, minimal or no learning shall take place. (1)

  

     Strengths of Blended Delivery

o   Since both will be taking place at intervals then the strengths of the two blend together to make learning more attainable and flexible.

 

o   Independent learning, better student engagement, connected both in and out of class, meaningful use of study material, instant results and feedback, adjustable timing.(1)

    Weaknesses of Blended Delivery

o    Dependence on internet connectivity, expensive resources, incompatibility of hardware and software, stressful when time-limited assignments are given.

o    Internet short-hand in assignments, chat sessions and other distractions.

o    A possible lack of motivation to engage in technology, a temporary increase in the workload during the transition phase.

o    A requirement for basic technical knowledge, and the plagiarism/credibility problem.(1)

     

A question is posed as -Is any one mode better than the other?

No mode is better than the other it’s just a preference thing with the particular individual. Over the past few years, the pandemic has affected the entire world. It has brought tremendous changes in various sectors, especially the education sector. ² Learning can never be stopped; it is a lifelong process. Many passionate individuals prefer to continue their studies alongside a career. This requires flexible schedules and proper time management. Online learning can be a suitable option for them to fulfil their goals. ² With adjustable schedules and less burden, they can learn with ease. The classroom environment facilitates an active interaction among educators and learners. The students have to follow the rules associated with an institute.² Classrooms require more discipline and active participation. Teachers get greater command over students in a traditional learning environment. While classroom learning allows for a face-to-face connection, online learning also has its own benefits. Both types of learning can be beneficial, depending on the goal of the lesson plan².

 

Reference

 

1-        Strengths and weaknesses of Online Learning [Internet]. Uis.edu. [cited 2023 Jun 1]. Available from: https://www.uis.edu/ion/resources/tutorials/overview/strengths-weaknesses 

 

2-        Writing PE. Is online learning as good as classroom learning in 2022? [Internet]. eLearning Industry. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 1]. Available from: https://elearningindustry.com/is-online-learning-as-good-as-classroom-learning-in-2022