Comparative Study of Online and Face to Face Instructions

Abstract

The study highlights several key findings regarding the differences in students' perceptions between face-to-face (F2F) and online learning methods, using course experience questionnaires (CEQ) and online course experience questionnaires (OCEQ). Here's a breakdown of the findings and implications: The study found significant differences in several factors between F2F and online learning methods. These include the total score of the questionnaire, the factor of good teaching (GT), the factor of clear goals (CG), and the factor of appropriate assessment (AA). These differences indicate that students perceive distinct qualities and effectiveness in these aspects depending on the learning method. The lack of social interaction in online learning compared to F2F settings is suggested as a potential reason for these differences. According to constructionist theory, social interaction plays a crucial role in learning, potentially explaining why students rate factors like good teaching, clear goals, and appropriate assessment differently in online contexts. Interestingly, the study found that the factor of emphasis on independence did not show significant differences between F2F and online learning methods. This contrasts with previous research findings, which might be due to the increasing flexibility and adaptability of blended learning approaches where both F2F and online components are integrated. In summary, while online learning has become a prominent alternative due to the pandemic, this study underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the differences in students' perceptions and experiences between online and face-to-face learning environments.