F2F versus VLEs

Below is what I think the advantages and disadvantages of face to face and distance learning education. Advantages of one are readily disadvantages of the other - so the mention is only made once.

Advantages of face to face Learning:

- The normal mode of learning; no resistance

- Instruction-led tutoring allows for better understanding due to non-verbal communication, body language, etc.

- Maybe the only mode for learning in specific scientific areas (ex. chemistry) where experimentation is needed and the presence of a lab instructor is essential.

- The classroom gives students a sense of belonging. More loyalty exists towards the educational institution especially if the student spent several years there (I'm in love with the American university in Cairo where I got my bachelors degree).

- On campus presence serves more than just educational purposes. Learners engage in social events, extra-curricular activities, join contests, etc.

- Requires more than just sitting in front of a computer. More bodily/kinesthetic intelligence is used. This reduces the boredom that may often result during the course of study.

- Closed book examinations can be conducted where all students take their tests simultaneously in the presence of a supervisor - more uniformity in the assessment method.

- Can combine VLE learning as well.


Advantages of VLE learning:

- Flexibility in time, location, and length of study.

- Engagement in online discussions may give students a good way of expressing themselves who are otherwise quiet or shy to engage in face to face discussions.

- Educational material is more persistent. Students can go and look at previous study files at any point in time (as opposed to normal classroom teaching where the student has to try and grasp all the information during the class)

- Asynchronous discussions give students time to think before posting their comments as opposed to having to contribute instantly during the face to face class.

- Different assessment methods available, which may be auto-corrected and the results given to the student instantly.

Disadvantages of VLE learning:

- Having to keep up with the technology

- May be imposed by the government of institutional authority. Teachers may not be willing to use the technology but are forced to do that for the sake of catching up with the rest

- Training on the VLE is often required especially to older teachers who have less experience with technology, which both time and financially consuming.

- If not planned for carefully, may lead to bottlenecks where migration to other systems is necessary.

- Gives more advantages to younger instructors who are more open and experienced with technology as opposed to older ones who may be more competent with the subject they're teaching.