Is Face-to-Face Instruction Preferable to Distance Learning?
By VENUS D. PERO
There is now a question of whether or not face-to-face instruction is preferable to distance learning. This has been contested for quite some time.
The effectiveness of online education is still unclear, and most people do not prefer it, so most people are stumped when faced with the choice of which mode of education to pursue. Face-to-face instruction is necessary for the vast majority of subjects because it is the only method that makes any kind of sense in the real world. Only the two people involved in a face-to-face teaching situation can communicate with each other. Until the advent of the Internet, people were taught in person for thousands of years.
While it’s true that many courses can be taken online these days, the quality of the information being shared online isn’t always high due to technological limitations. This suggests that there may be a ceiling on how much one can learn. Education is most effective when taught one on one. It is more difficult for students to tune out the teacher when they are working in a group, and even if they aren’t paying attention, they can pick up knowledge from the other members of the class. Face-to-face instruction emphasizes interaction and fosters a more cooperative learning environment. Students develop the courage to voice their opinions openly during group work. Students can get their questions answered during this time as well.
In 1999, researchers conducted a thorough empirical investigation into the topic. This research compared traditional classroom instruction to distance learning. An article titled “Comparative Analysis of Online vs. Face-to-Face Instruction” was presented at an internet and web conference. This case study demonstrated the substantial distinction between online and in-person instruction. And it was proved that face-to-face learning is very effective, and through face-to-face learning, students can learn more quickly and they never forget what they learn from face-to-face education,” according to Scott D. Johnson, Steven R. Aragon, Najumuddin Shaik, and Nilda Palma-Rivas.
Even though we all lead hectic schedules, we must not neglect our education if we hope to thrive in this technological age. One of the best ways to educate yourself is through making mistakes and then figuring out how to avoid them next time. One cannot learn without taking risks and exploring one’s own curiosity. Although the instructor’s email address is provided for those taking courses online, nothing can replace the benefits of learning in a group setting where questions and answers can be exchanged in real time. When learning from a teacher face to face, students can ask questions and get their doubts about a subject addressed immediately. Learning is accelerated and reinforced through direct interaction between teacher and student in a face-to-face setting. Collaboration is facilitated in face-to-face classrooms. We can learn more quickly and accomplish more of our goals if we work together and interact with others in person, and the experience of working through differences and reaching consensus in a group setting is great preparation for the workplace. Online courses are the most beneficial form of education. (Stevens)
Today’s classrooms can benefit greatly from the use of conferencing and computer networking technologies (T. M. Harrison Teresa). But there’s no denying the efficacy of teacher-to-student interaction. In contrast to face-to-face learning, which is always exciting and memorable, online education is dull and forgettable. If we consider the music we enjoy, for instance, what percentage of it do we see performed live in a theater or other venue? The same can be said for sporting events; how often do you watch them live instead of from home? Although most of the things we learn in our daily lives won’t change our lives forever, we can get by just fine with doing them online. Learning from a teacher in person allows you to focus more easily and have more fun (SHEPHERD).
There are many aspects of a classroom experience that cannot be replicated in an online setting, including the teacher’s volume, tone, body language, and motivation and encouragement for the students. However, when someone is receiving a non-verbal education, the connection between teacher and student is completely lost when internet is not available. In-Person Instructional Workshops Have Eight Clear Advantages (GRAY). Having these resources is not normally necessary for a student to succeed in a conventional classroom setting. In traditional classroom settings, students stay engaged because they must adhere to a strict schedule. The nurse can plan ahead of time around class dates in a traditional classroom setting because the dates are predetermined (Anderson).
Therefore, students gain a broader educational experience when they work together to solve problems and acquire knowledge in a face-to-face setting. Students in group settings learn to interact positively with their teacher and gain self-assurance through participation in formal lectures and presentations. Students’ IQs tend to rise when they learn from teachers face-to-face. Thus, face-to-face instruction is better and preferable to distance learning. ###
