What's better: Online or face-to-face learning?

As blended learning and online courses are taking place more and more, thus the debate about which is better, face-to-face or virtual learning, is becoming more and more the order of the day.

Various educational authorities approve the use of this method from higher education to master's degrees and doctorates. Free and short courses are also receiving a lot of attention. They are often complemented with a certificate of completion. This is proving very attractive to those who are looking for more than an academic degree and who want to continue their education in some form.

A lot of people place distance learning as their favourite way of learning. And with the arrival of increasingly sophisticated and easy to use online learning platforms, independent teaching and learning is developing at an interesting rate.

However, others are against online learning and say that we can’t forget the traditional, face-to-face model. It forms part of individual's learning journey as the majority of lower education is still mandatorily in-person. We are also aware that some courses don't have the appropriate technology to be taught virtually. In these cases, in-person teaching reigns supreme. But as we have seen over the last one and a half years, face-to-face teaching has been one of the many losers to the Covid-19 pandemic.

So that begs the question: which is better, online or in-person teaching? There are constant discussions about these different educational styles. In this article we will cover the following: the difference between face-to-face and online teaching as well as the features of both models, their coexistence and their modern day importance. We will look at the pros and cons of virtual and in-person learning.

The differences between online and face-to-face learning:

Both models chase the same final objective, individuals learning through a teaching process. However, their paths diverge when it comes to how to achieve the end objective. Next, we will list the 10 main differences between both.

1. Flexibility

Studying is becoming more and more flexible. Due to daily tasks and various demands like work, personal life, studying, etc., it often proves tricky to fit in a routine which demands that you’re in a specific physical location in order to learn. Unlike in-person learning, online learning provides the flexibility for each student to manage their time and organise themselves effectively. This is one of the most important differences between face-to-face and virtual learning.

2. Cost

This is an extremely important and often decisive consideration when comparing both forms of learning. Online courses can be up to 20% cheaper than in-person. Obviously, it is much more expensive to maintain a physical space (like a classroom) than to book a space do record videos or teaching content. In this respect, online learning is a particularly attractive proposition for those who want to continue studying on a budget.

3. Environment

Who doesn't know somebody who has had to move places in order to enrol for a specific course which their city did not offer? Or somebody who really wanted to study a degree but the spaces to enrol were very limited? From north to south no matter the location, online learning democratises education. In Spain online learning is becoming more and more normal, meaning more and more people are choosing this path and so there are more opportunities in relation to demand.

4. Mobility

The logistics and monthly costs of travelling somewhere to study can derail participation in education. This is especially pertinent for residents in major cities where traffic directly effects people's quality of life. This is another point in favour of distance learning.

5. Time management

If virtual learning provides flexibility, in exchange it requires effective time management. Students must be disciplined and manage their tasks and deadlines. They are the only ones who can master this self-control. Being able to organise a routine whereby topics or classes are covered and taken note of the day they are released online, is essential.

6. Submitting work

The forms of handing in work, just like carrying out calls, are totally different depending on the two educational methods. When we think of physics classes, we always have in mind the image of direct contact with a teacher. This, of course, changes in a virtual environment. Submissions can be requested in different ways online and calls can be processed only after the work has been handed in.

7. The art of teaching

The way in which a professor or teacher conducts a class can vary a lot. Online or blended learning focuses on methods dedicated to a hybrid type of teaching, the opposite to teaching in a classroom. Also, a degree of autonomy in the teaching process is required of students. They must direct their own learning, even if they do have access to their professors We are already accustomed to the traditional teaching models carried out in person. Normally the focus is on the teacher.

8. Technology

Multimedia technologies are absolutely crucial in order to carry out online learning. As much to follow classes as to submit work from each subject. In these cases, the student is guided to have a basic understanding of the technology and how to use it so that they can follow and complete their tasks.

9. Interaction

Many believe that only in face-to-face learning can individuals interact with each other fully. But the truth is that online platforms can also be appropriate places to encourage interaction. It's possible for fellow students to interact and stay connected with each other through discussion forums, open exchange spaces or social media. Online video conferences also promote engagement. The difference is of course that these interactions can often lag and be awkward and chats over a coffee or outside a classroom cannot be replicated.

10. Experience

Leaving the house, getting to know the university area as well as walking through campus are all real life experiences which virtual learning cannot provide. This may be possible in the not-so-distant future through the use of virtual reality headsets.

Both learning models offer advantages and disadvantages and ultimately, it depends a lot on the specific requirements of each student. What we as a collective cannot claim is that online learning is inferior to in-person learning. After all, they are different proposals.

The same can be said for those who believe that teaching on online platforms is more prone to triggering misunderstandings. A virtual classroom requires just as much focus as a real one. We are very used to concentrating on the teacher, listening and waiting for him/her to talk about a certain topic in a very passive way. We know a lot more about passive education as opposed to the proactive version. When we confront platforms which require effort or self-teaching, we realise how much we still need to grow.

It is necessary to develop a lot of skills and abilities in an innovative education process.

Is it possible that online learning will replace face-to-face learning?

After a lengthy period of both distance and in-person teaching, the conclusion is clear: both types of education are important and have their own features. Each person, according to their purpose and needs will know which one to pick. Both models will continue to coexist and work together for a long time with the aim to improve education and make it as far reaching as possible.

Technology will bring more and more alternative options when it comes to teaching. We will always have new solutions. These will be especially prevalent in distance learning. Easy to navigate, intuitive and dependable, and capable to naturally interact with people.

In any case, good luck to anyone who is planning to continue with their studies and take a look at the Erasmus Masters section and the la Degrees section where you can find both online and in-person classes which will adapt to your needs.

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