Comparing Modes of Delivery

 

FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING

Face-to-face learning is an instructional 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.

Strengths of Face-to-Face Learning in the Classroom

• ·       Students will able to concentrate harder on your learning because there’ll be less distraction.
• ·       Students gain greater understanding, stories and real-world examples from teachers and other students
• ·      Students may feel more comfortable and learn more easily in a familiar, traditional classroom situation.
• ·     Students can access more information and richer understanding through teacher and other students’ body language and voice.
• ·      Students have the opportunity to connect with, problem-solve, and network with other students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Weakness of face-to-face Learning

• ·       The lecturer only has a certain amount of time to get through subjects. If you cannot keep up with the rest of the class, you will have to schedule extra classes, which could cost you extra money.
• ·       Due to time constraints in class, the lecturer cannot answer each and every student’s questions.
• ·       If you forget a textbook or your class notes at home, you will either have to get along without it, or ask a fellow student to share his/her books with you.
• ·       You will have to spend additional money on travelling and secure parking.
• ·       Face-to-face classes are at set times. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to book an extra class to catch up.
• ·       Classes vary from early morning to afternoons. If you have a day-time job or other responsibilities, it might not fit into your schedule.
•   

ONLINE LEARNING

Online learning means that one study remotely and it is also referred to as Distance Learning or E-learning. It’s an alternative way to study at university across the world, and instead of going to classrooms, you study at home, or wherever you choose, via the internet. Classes, teaching materials, support, and assessments are all delivered online. Often, these are also recorded so they can be re-watched.

Strengths of Online Learning

· 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. Students can participate in classes from anywhere in the world, provided they have a computer and Internet connection.

 ·  Anytime, 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.

  ·   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. This structure allows students time to articulate responses with much more depth and forethought than in a traditional face-to-face discussion situation where the participant must analyze the comment of another on the spot and formulate a response or otherwise lose the chance to contribute to the discussion.

 · Access to Resources- It is easy to include distinguished guest experts or students from other institutions in an online class.

 ·  Level Playing Field- In the online environment, learners have a certain measure of anonymity. Discriminating factors such as age, dress, physical appearance, disabilities, race, and gender are largely absent.

 Weaknesses of Online Learning

 ·   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. Lack of access, whether it be for economic or logistic reasons, will exclude otherwise eligible students from the course.

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

 ·  Limitations of technology- User friendly and reliable technology is critical to a successful online program. However, even the most sophisticated technology is not 100% reliable.

 ·  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.

  

BLENDED LEARNING

Blended learning is an approach of education in which digital technology blends in with traditional analog teaching methods. But blended learning actually encompasses multiple pedagogies and learning methods, some of which you probably already experienced or used.

 

Strengths of blended Learning

· Blended learning Programs Provide a Safer Learning Environment. Blended learning programs presume that students will learn more effectively when they are able to engage in a variety of different methods of learning.

·  Student engagement is improved by blended learning. Blended learning programs give students the ability to learn at different speeds, by allowing them to go at their own pace. Students can do their work online at home and will be able to ask questions when they need clarification.

 ·  Different People learn different things in different ways. Students who learn online can watch a video or read instructions; those who learn through hands-on learning are able to operate equipment on a large scale or in a small controlled environment. The instructor is able to mix the method of instruction that best suits each student’s learning style.

 ·  Flipping the Classroom Improves Comprehension. Some students cannot comprehend the material when handed a textbook or listening to a lecture. The instructor, who can easily show images, videos, and animations can improve comprehension of the material.

 ·    Students have more autonomy over their learning. The teacher is no longer the only one directing the course. Students are taught how to learn, which may mean that they end up doing most of their learning outside of class and then doing final projects or tests with their teachers when they meet in person.

 

Weaknesses of blended Learning

·  The infrastructure may not exist. You may have to choose among different students, who have different learning styles, to come up with a course that will work for most of them. It can be difficult to find the right blend of online learning and face-to-face teaching.

 ·   It’s often not possible to engage with other students. You may not be able to discuss your work or the course material with other students.

 ·   Time constraints. It can be difficult to find time to work on learning activities during class times. The flexibility and range of online opportunities may not fit in with regular class schedules.

 ·   The technology challenge mentality. Blended learning is one of the most effective methods to learn and teach new things. It’s designed to provide students with the tools that they need to succeed.

 ·    There is less concrete feedback from students. It may be difficult to get as much feedback from your students as you would in a traditional classroom setting.

 Table showing Similarities and Differences in all the Modes of Delivery. 

Face to face		Online learning		Blended learning
Similarities	Differences	Similarities	Differences	Similarities	Differences
Use of online resources/ materials	Primary verbal communication	Same content given.	Discussion may be typed or spoken on mic.	Students are observed in classroom.	Learning is efficient in terms of learning degree and performance of students.
Student interaction in classroom	Fixed Classroom time with students.	Group work	It can be asynchronous or synchronous learning.	Can be asynchronous at times.	Communication can be both written and verbal
Encourage individual learning	Does not use LMS.	Engaged standard based curriculum	Assignments turn in online platform	Can cover a wider geographic area easily	Students can interact both face to face and individually.
Teacher has more time with students.	Teacher gives nonverbal cues	Regular feedback.	Often self-paced	Learning can be both online and face to face.	Assignments maybe face-face or online.

Which mode of delivery is better?

There is no better mode of learning as non is better than the other. Everyone learns differently with each mode and at their own pace. As time changes so does the way we learn and teach, even though we started of in school with face to face as we enter into university it is blended and online learning. We just have to use each one to our advantage.

 

References

 1. Priscilahttps://www.easy-lms.com/index.php?r=content%2Fcontent%2Fabout-us%2Fwho-we-are W         by. Priscila [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Jun 7]. Available from: https://www.easy-lms.com/knowledge-center/e-learning/blended-learning-advantages/item10386

2. Shah R. Face-to-face learning: Benefits, advantages and disadvantages [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 7]. Available from: https://benchpartner.com/blog/face-to-face-learning-benefits-advantages-and-disadvantages

3. Scott C, Clare Scott                  Clare is an experienced freelance writer. Why is online learning important? [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2023 Jun 7]. Available from: https://www.hult.edu/blog/why-is-online-learning-important/#:~:text=So%2C%20what%20is%20online%20learning,you%20choose%2C%20via%20the%20internet.