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The Advantages of Face-to-Face Learning Over Online Learning Cornellius Sabaya Grand Canyon University ENG-105: English Composition 1 Mary Petty 28-Jun-2021

2 The Advantages of Face-to-Face Learning Over Online Learning A study regarding learning outcomes in an online vs traditional course showed that “relative enrollment in online classes has tripled over the last ten years, but the efficacy of learning online remains unclear” (Stack, 2015). As expected, recent technological developments have changed the way people complete their education and live their lives. In addition, technology's importance is well-known in modern society as it displays endless possibilities. Given the rapid increase in the use of online instruction around the world, online learning is becoming more influential in the field of education as it gives students an option to get an education while at home. Despite the fascinating results the internet promises in online learning, face-to-face methods of learning are better due to their effectiveness in attaining information, clear understanding directions, and collaboration between classmates. To begin, face-to-face learning is better due to its effectiveness in learning knowledge and skills. It allows students to experience different ways of learning, including writing, reading, discussion, and presentations. According to the study in comparison of student progress, “students in the traditional class reported in-class interactions such as face time with the instructor, participation in hands-on activities, class discussions, and small group work as the most beneficial instructional strategies that contributed to their success” (Hurlbut, 2018). This shows that face-to-face learning motivates students because it promotes immediate feedback, practice, and learning from peers. In addition, traditional learning offers honest education because it prevents students from cheating. This is due to the maximum supervision in the classroom during examinations and non-collaborative assignments. Available survey data indicate that “online classes are thought to provide more opportunities for cheating, a behavior

3 that can enhance student performance” (Stack, 2015). This indicates that lack of supervision in online learning makes cheating prevention complicated for schools. Furthermore, face-to-face learning is better because it ensures a stronger and clearer understanding of directions, lesson content, and materials. Unlike online learning where instructors help their students understand the information through online materials only, face-toface classes allow instructors to deliver their knowledge and then walk through the classroom while assessing the students’ understanding of that knowledge. According to the study on online vs traditional instruction, researchers concluded that “when students are learning individually, rather than in a group setting, they benefit when required to reflect on their own learning and monitor their own understanding” (Angiello, 2010). In addition to traditional learning, students can raise their hands to ask questions and receive instant answers and feedback. According to the study in differences in learning outcomes, a teacher claimed that “if instant feedback and interactivity causes the student to engage less deeply—then we would need, as teachers, to consider how to counteract this tendency.” (Ferguson et al., 2020). Face-to-face interactions allow teachers to determine what must be done to improve students’ understanding and engagement in classroom activities. In addition, face-to-face learning is better because collaborative work among students is promoted. This allows them to interact and work on assigned projects together. In most cases, students are allowed to discuss solutions in groups to complete assigned projects by sharing ideas and splitting tasks among each other. Unlike online learning, collaborative assignments are monitored by instructors, so there is no room for cheating. This allows students to critically think, socialize, and develop skills to complete their assignments. The study also concludes, “to be considered ‘self-regulated,’ students must be committed and efficiently control their own

4 learning process” (Quesada-Pallarès et al., 2019). This shows that for students to succeed in online learning, they may get socially isolated and be required to have self-discipline and motivation to develop skills. Without self-motivation, students can lose interest easily because they lack interactions with their classmates. Social isolation and lack of communication may lead one to have mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, and negative thoughts. All in all, traditional learning stands out to be better than online learning when effective knowledge, a clear understanding of lessons, and collaborative interactions are considered. Even with the most advanced technologies to come, students will always learn better in the classroom where they can ask their teachers questions regarding lesson contents, and work on assignments with their classmates while communicating verbally with each other. Although both online and traditional learning strive for the same goal, to teach and guide students to reach their goals, traditional classrooms provide a better learning environment because it prevents isolation among students. Face-to-face learning also provides more effective education because students are strictly monitored to ensure they are learning honestly, as cheating is considered a significant factor in online learning.

5 References

Angiello, R. (2010). Study looks at online learning vs. traditional instruction. Education Digest, 76(2), 56 Ferguson, S., Liu, Y., & Enderson, M. (2020). Student understanding of a system of equation and inequalities: A comparison between online and face-to-face learning. Journal of educators online, 17(2). Hurlbut, A. R. (2018). Online vs. traditional learning in teacher education: A comparison of student progress. American journal of distance education, 32(4), 248–266. Quesada-Pallarès, C., Sánchez-Martí, A., Ciraso-Calí, A., & Pineda-Herrero, P. (2019). Online vs. classroom learning: Examining motivational and self-regulated learning strategies among vocational education and training students. frontiers in psychology, 10. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02795 Stack, S. (2015). Learning outcomes in an online vs traditional course. International journal for the scholarship of teaching and learning, 9(1)....