Compare and contrast your experiences in face-to-face and online learning environments.

When comparing and contrasting face-to-face and online learning environments, some experiences are similar in each teaching environment, and some learning elements can only happen face-to-face or online.  For students and teachers, there are elements that are going to differ.

During face-to-face learning, students can get instant feedback, which is beneficial for learning concepts quickly.  They also get social interaction with teachers, learning support workers, and their peers.  The school system, for most students, is an environment where students can learn how to build relationships, have discussions, and interact in a face-to-face setting.  Hands-on learning, such as science labs, in-person live lectures, physical education, and shop classes, are easier to conduct in person.  Questions can be answered immediately.

Online learning offers flexibility for students that they don’t normally get from a bricks and mortar school.  Students are able to work at their own pace and on their own schedule.  Often, online students work full-time or are engaged in a sport professionally and can be out of the country for a variety of reasons.  Global accessibility is very advantageous for these students.  Online learners can vary widely in age as well.  Most adults work in the evenings.  Some online students suffer from physical or mental illnesses that prevent them from going to a traditional school. Learning in an online environment for students with a high level of general anxiety can help alleviate a lot of stress for these learners. Students with physical disabilities may find it overwhelming to even get to a traditional school.  Learning can be accessed via computer right from their location. In a group online setting, such as in forums, students can experience a broad range of cultures and perspectives on different issues that are discussed because students can be so dispersed around the globe.  Depending on where you live, this is something you may not find in a traditional face-to-face setting.  Online settings also will usually have courses filled with digital resources.  Pictures, videos, simulations, and interactive quizzes, as well as a multitude of online tools, are used in online courses.  In the face-to-face environment, much less technology is used, depending on the school and the socioeconomic status of the area.

Both the Digital and Face-to-face learning environments and some shared elements as well.  Both environments can be a stimulating place to learn, full of student curiosity and critical thinking.  Both environments can foster community if they are designed properly.  Online environments can create a sense of community through discussion forums and virtual collaboration tools.  Both online and face-to-face schools provide feedback and assessment, but the might be a small time lag with the online environment.  Both online and face-to-face discussions provide stimulating learning environments.

Each learning environment has its strengths and weaknesses.  Both can offer a rich and comprehensive learning experience, or they can be dull and uninspiring.  It will all depend on the design of the course.