Online vs Face-to-Face

Classes

Leslie Hudson
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Robert Wolfe, Instructor
ETEC 424
January 17, 2020
 Online Learning
• Personal, more student-centered approach
• Students must maintain appropriate time-management and self-
discipline
• No commute and flexible scheduling for students who work
Studies show that online learning is becoming increasingly more
popular because of its convenience for students who want to continue
to work and enjoy time with friends and family (My College Guide,
n.d.). However, findings also report that online classes have a much
higher dropout rate than traditional face to face classes because
students may feel that instruction is unclear and isn’t meeting their
expectations ( North Carolina Community College, n.d.).
 Face-to-Face Learning
• May feel more traditional & comfortable
• Less distractions
• Seeing/hearing body language and voice
• Capable of cooperating with like-minded students
(Barone, 2019)

It is important to note how face to face classes may limit the

participation of students who fear speaking in public or for students
with specific physical disabilities and that these students may not
be at a disadvantage in an online class setting.
 Blended Learning
• Allows for students to complete
part of their learning online and
part of their learning outside of
their home which allows students As all things have some type of
to have a certain degree of disadvantage, blending learning
control over where, when, and/or may be overwhelming for
how they work (Maxwell, 2016). students who struggle with time
management and motivation.
• In blended learning, Maxwell also
explains that, “Classrooms
fundamentally shift instruction in
a way that provides an integrated
learning experience” (Maxwell,
2016).
 Which format will you choose?
All learning formats should
Online Learning include:
• Self-Paced
• Clear Expectations
• Flexible Schedule
• Frequent Communication
Face to Face Learning
• Live Teacher + Group • Quality Interaction
Interaction
• Organized Plan • Motivation (both teacher
Blended Learning and student centered)
• Integrates Both Online and Face *(North Carolina Community
to Face Learning
College, n.d.)
 References

North Carolina Community College. (n.d.). Key Differences Between Online and Face-to-

Face Teaching [PDF file]. Retrieved from

http://www.cordonline.net/mntutorial1/module_1/NCCCSKeyDifferences.pdf

Barone, R. (2019, November 12). Face-to-face vs. online learning—what's best for your

student? [Web log post]. Retrieved from

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

Maxwell, C. (2016, March 4). What blended learning is - and isn’t? Retrieved from

https://www.blendedlearning.org/what-blended-learning-is-and-isnt/

My College Guide. (n.d.). Online classes vs. traditional classes: Pros and cons. Retrieved

from https://mycollegeguide.org/blog/2017/05/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes/