Online vs.

Face-2-Face 1

Online vs. Face-2-Face

Kimberly Galvez

Texas A&M University-Commerce

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Online vs. Face-to-Face has been a popular topic in the last couple of months. This topic,

in the past, has been mentioned in a college setting because colleges have been offering online

and face-to-face courses for years. Fast forward to August 2020 we are now having this

discussion for grades PreK-12. There are many pros and cons over this subject. The decision is

really made on a personal level because it is what benefits you as the learner on receiving

instructions. Online learning is flexible but with less interaction socially. Face-to-face (F2F) is

more hands on but less flexible on pace.

“Additionally, asynchronous courses are also advantageous to students who learn best

when they can review course lectures and materials multiple times and through a variety of

exercises” (Brown, 2019).This is a flexibility that many working students can take advantage.

Online learning can help students that are working forty plus hours and continue their education

with an online degree. The challenge does arise with the amount of work but ultimately it is

possible with proper instructions and discipline. A disadvantage to online learning is not being

able to interact with classmates on a personal level. During a discussion you can comment but

the dialog is not really followed up. On the other hand, you are able to meet other students from

different lifestyles. “Comprised of students logging in from all over the nation, online courses

may tap into endless possibilities imaginable from bringing together diverse people, cultures,

communities, and cities that expand our learning opportunities based on unique experiences and

perspectives outside of our physical location” (Brown, 2019). We may not be sitting next to a

classmate but making the effort in getting to know your classmates can be essential. You can rely

on classmates for help when you are stuck on a course assignment.

Face to face is a wonderful way to learn if that is the best option for the individual’s

circumstances. With our younger learners, we are seeing a little difficulty. “Face-to-face learning
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means a live, two-way interaction” (Ryan, 2019). The interaction in F2F cannot be replaced in an

online learning environment. There is that little link that most of us are missing. An advantage of

F2F is being able to have your instructor available after class or being able to talk to them after

class. With online learning, you have to wait 24-48 hours for a response. In contrast, online

students work through lectures and other teaching material at their own pace. They ask questions

on online discussion forums and must wait for an instructor or another student to respond” (Staff,

n.d). To their defense, instructors have to answer several online questions so the quantity may be

a tad bit overwhelming. Getting to know students on a personal level is less challenging in a F2F

environment rather than in an online environment. There is always that desktop or laptop in

between. F2F will accommodate students with disabilities much more effectively than online.

They are still ways to help but the ability to be there and instruct will be more challenging.

Online or F2F instructions is a decision that will be based on the preferences of the

students and their ability to access. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. The

preference is up to the student and their ability and circumstances.

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References

Brown, R. (2019). 13 Differences Between Online and Face to Face Courses. Retrieved from

https://miamioh.edu/regionals/eccoe/news/2019/01/differences-between-f2f-and-

online.html

Ryan, B. (2019). Face-to-Face vs. Online Learning: Class Similarities & Differences. Retrieved

from https://www.idtech.com/blog/face-to-face-vs-online-learning

Staff, E. (n.d). How Does Online Instruction Measure Up to Face-to-Face. Retrieved from

https://www.focuseduvation.com/how-does-online-instruction-measure-up-to-face-to-

face/