1. +
Face-to-Face and
Online Learning
Compared

2. +
Face-to-Face Advantages
 Face to face learning is immediate. Instructors
immediacy decreases distance between students
and faculty
 Dialogue and collaboration occurs in real time with
all the nuanced expressions of human interaction
 There is a visceral connection to another person
 You can sometimes gauge the emotional,
psychological state of the student
 You can easily change direction if events or
circumstances require it

3. +
Online Advantages
 Online content, discussions, directions, etc. are
persistent
 Learning by the student is flexible
 With a well designed introduction from each
student you can constant go back and connect
with individuals. Can easily give feedback.
 Online provides a wide platform for rich media
(video, audio, simulations) and unlimited web
content
 Online courses generally require more
responsibility from the student

4. +
Face-to-Face Challenges
 It can be difficult to remember pertinent
information about students
 Much of the content of discussions is lost in
time
 Tied to a strict time schedule of several hours
during the week
 Can only access limited resources in class
 The ebb and flow of the class can be
dependent on the tenor of student engagement

5. +
Online Challenges
 Dialogue with students is difficult to
create and maintain
 Lack of immediacy (facial expression,
names, comfort level, student
observation)
 Content and class activity is usually
prescribed without any room for
spontaneity. Course can become static.
 Discussion boards, unless strictly
directed, can become somewhat chaotic

6. +
What About Blended Learning
 Immediacy
 Dialogue
 Persistence
 Spontaneity
 Flexibility
 Increased Student Responsibility
 Room for rich media and collaboration
 Ability to give constant and consistent feedback
Bended learning can combine the best of face-to-
face instruction and online instruction

7. +
All Face-to-Face
Learning Should Be