Is Online Learning As Good As Face-To-Face Learning?

Face-to-face learning has not been the only option in education for the past two decades.
Educators have placed a greater emphasis on the use of online learning, particularly in light of
the increased cases of Covid-19. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of both is frequently contested.
Which do you believe is a more effective method of learning, an online class or a face-to-face
class? So, let's go deep and look at it from both angles.

We are all aware that higher education is the key to success. To be successful in the
workplace today, one must have some form of education. There are numerous options for
furthering one's education. But, face-to-face classes and online are the most used in our
educational system. To begin with, face-to-face learning, or simply put, classroom learning is
more traditional and with the utilization of technology, may even be considered to be old-
fashioned. On the other hand, an online class is a course conducted over the Internet. Now, I both
experienced these two learning modalities. Based on what I observed and experienced, I strongly
believe that “face-to-face class is better than online class”. I will state the reasons why, first, in a
face-to-face class you may feel more comfortable learning in a classroom setup. The setup is
familiar and therefore, comforting. You can easily distinguish being in ‘school’ mode and ‘out-
of-school’ mode simply by leaving the campus after all. Not like online classes where
“Distraction from the environment and gadgets are always there like notifications pop-up in our
gadgets and noise of animals, transportation, and neighbor. Plus, the fact that unstable internet
connection in our country is one of the most problems during online classes too. As attested to a
report on “24 Oras”, some students have opted to give up on online classes due to a lack of
gadgets and internet connection. This included Grade 9 student Berna (not her real name) who
has been attending her online class in a small space in the house of her uncle. Berna said her little
classroom was noisy, hot, and lacked space. “Hindi mo pomaintindihan ‘yung teacher mo,yung
paputolputol‘yung salita niya. Tapos magugulo pa po ‘yung ano, nasa bahay, ang iingay,” Berna
said. It implies that most students suffer from this problem during online classes and these
distractions can lead to poor performance of students due to the lack of concentration. Second, in
terms of taking examinations and quizzes. Face-to-face class reveals that students have a high
chance to review their lessons before taking examinations and quizzes. While, on online class
students have a high chance to cheat since google are just instant, and more likely students think
“why do I need to study hard if there is an easy option?” Also, they think more about passing
than learning. Well, the same scenario with face-to-face classes but they more think about this
online class. Third, the face-to-face class offers interactive class compared to online classes since
we can ask directly your professor about the lesson and other concerns and vice versa. Not alike
with online classes, students only have limited time to raise their concerns. In addition, in online
classes, parents take the responsibility of educating their children (especially for kinder to grade
school learners) whether they are qualified or not to teach their children. This is what I observed
in my peers. Moreover, sometimes the siblings are the one who guides their sister or brother
since their parents have work. It is so sad since the sibling also has a school requirement that
needs to accomplish. Furthermore, I also just think about the parents or siblings that haven’t the
capacity to guide the student in their online class people of lacking their lack of education. Forth,
the face-to-face class gives the students to feel the excitement of going to school because they
will see their friends and crushes, and they can have fun because they can wander around during
their break, unlike online classes. As well as, students improve their social skills because in face-
to-face classes they are classmates, teachers, and other staff from school that surround them. You
will meet a lot of people that you can bond with. In addition, you can collaborate with others
easily because we all know that not all schoolwork is done individually. There are times wherein
you have to work with other students to accomplish projects or assignments. In a traditional
learning setup, it’s easier to work with other people. You’ll be able to keep tabs on one another.
At the same time, you can dynamically share ideas. In contrast, students in online classes are
more like lose their passion for studying hard. On top of that, based on my experience, the online
class gives more pressure on students since the teacher gave a lots of schoolwork’s comparing on
face to face classes since the teacher thinks that students have a lot of vacant time. It tends to
students to have anxiety and depression. As stated by Data collected by the Ministry of Mental
Health revealed that nearly a third of students nationwide feel more anxiety and stress after
COVID-19 forced them to switch to online learning. The survey, conducted among 2,045
students between September 19 and 25, showed that more than 29% of those surveyed reported
more anxiety and stress since their classes were moved online, while about 17% felt mentally
exhausted or “exhausted”. Fifth, face-to-face classes can understand better ‘real-world examples
and stories from classmates and teachers. In face-to-face education, you learn new concepts and
skills alongside other students in real life. It’s easier to empathize and learn from one another
because you’re on the same learning journey. Also, you have the opportunity to learn from other
students. In a traditional learning setup, you have the chance to network and bond with other
students. This helps build camaraderie, and in turn, have better connections with people from
different backgrounds. While, the online class is more on self-study and can cause an eye
problem because of too much exposure to gadgets since the learning materials are digital like
PowerPoint presentations, docs, pdf, video recording, etc.

I strongly believe that face to face has a big advantage for all students and I believe that
Face to Face learning is better than online learning because students have access to various
learning resources on campus versus off. Face to face allows students to have instant
gratification with answers and help. Face to face also helps students who have difficulty
understanding their lessons. In terms of effectiveness, according to a survey by Statista Research
Department conducted in 2021, only 30 percent of Filipino respondents perceive the current
distance learning model as around 20 to 50 percent effective. On the other hand, 14 percent of
respondents stated that such a learning model is 80 to 100 percent effective. Distance learning
had been implemented in the Philippines as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus
(COVID-19). Furthermore, I make a quick interview with my friends and colleagues about “what
they prefer between online classes and face-to-face classes?” Most of them prefer face-to-face
classes because according to them they can acquire more knowledge. On the other hand, some
prefer online classes because according to them “they prefer studying alone and have a lot of
time to make other errands.” In addition to this, “The Department of Education in Central
Visayas (DepEd-7) disclosed that a recently conducted survey among learners, teachers, and
parents showed most of them are still in favor of face-to-face classes.
References:
 

GMA New. (2021). “Some students give up on online classes due to lack of gadget,
connection woes.”. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/785812/some-
students-give-up-on-online-classes-due-to-lack-of-gadget-connection-woes/story/

Erram, M.M. (2021). “DepEd-7 Survey: Learners, teachers, parents prefer face-to-
face classes”. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/378142/deped-7-survey-learners-teachers-
parents-prefer-face-to-face-classes

Statista Research Department, (2021). View on effectiveness of online learning over in-
person schooling Philippines 2021. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1262427/philippines-
view-on-effectiveness-of-distance-learning-compared-to-face-to-face-schooling/