In-Person and Online Modes of Learning and Instruction in Tertiary Education
For the longest time tertiary or higher education was synonymous with in-person or face-to-face instruction and learning.[1] Students would assemble in a classroom, laboratory, lecture hall, seminar room, gym, or theatre and receive instruction from the professor or other instructors. Typically, the professor would present a lecture covering the subject scheduled to be covered that day and time as listed in the course syllabus. The students would listen attentively and take notes, ask questions, and participate in the discussion or debates on the subject matter of the day’s lessons. Following the lecture there may be an opportunity to ask the lecturer further questions or discuss other matters related to the course such as forthcoming assignments, tests, and final examinations. This synchronous general format of in-person instruction and learning varied somewhat depending on the discipline, size of the class, and the topic under discussion that day, but varied widely only if it involved off campus excursions and/or field trips or with the screening of a film or a series of videos. All tests and examinations would be held in-person and would uniformly be of either a closed or open book, sit down, written time limited format, with the lecturer invigilating the assessment. The weight of the tests and final examination for the course would cover a sizeable portion of the final grade but, exceptionally, ever at 100 percent. More often than not a smaller portion of the course grade would count for attendance and class participation. Students would also have the opportunity to meet with their lecturer during their weekly office hours, if they so chose, to clarify their assignments or to discuss their grade on a particular assignment, including, tests or final exam.
This traditional mode of learning and instruction is teacher centered.[2] The instructor has full control of the learning and how it proceeds. The course instructor decides the teaching methodology, the course curriculum, and, essentially, controls the full learning environment.[3] The instructor follows the “drill and rote method of memorization.”[4] Students learn through repetition and memorization and with little or no room for critical thinking.[5] Some of the key elements of the traditional method of instruction include the following:
- The instructor controls the learning environment.
- Learning happens at a pre-determined pace and schedule.
- Instruction takes place in-person or face-to-face.
- There is a strict reliance on textbooks and/or assigned readings.
- All students learn in the same environment.[6]
Some of the inherent advantages of this form of instruction and learning are said to include the following: there is scope available for active learning; this mode of instruction and learning contributes to the development of the student’s mind and their social self; and there is space for the practical aspects of learning.[7]
Some of the inherent disadvantages of the traditional form of learning include: it is time and location bound, and there is no flexibility; it prioritizes the preference of the instructor over the needs of each of the students; the strict teaching schedule does not leave much time for practical learning; there is a built-in capital cost and ongoing maintenance expenses for traditional teaching.[8]
With the advent of modern digital technologies this traditional learning and instructional format was augmented with televised lectures and courses delivered via teleconference. The introduction of personal computers, email, and the internet allowed for online course delivery whether in a synchronous or asynchronous format. The traditional format of learning and instruction was applied to this virtual medium with the instructor delivering their lessons to their students not in-person but via Zoom or another similar computer video and audio platform. Instructor and student engagement was further accommodated by online course management platforms such as Moodle or eClass.
There are many advantages to the delivery of university instruction through online learning modalities.[9] The most obvious is that it does not require a physical space for students to meet with their instructor. Hence, the students and instructors did not need to commute to the campus if they did not live in residence at the campus. But, even if they did, they did not need to cycle or walk to a seminar or classroom, lecture hall, laboratory, gym, or theatre on their campus to hold their class. This saved the student and the instructor time and effort that could be used elsewhere. This was a great boon for those students who lived long distances from their university or college campuses that saved them the time and expense of having to travel to and from their campus.[10] It also made it possible for those students who had caretaking responsibilities to be able to take their classes from their places of residence or for those students who were employed and could make arrangements with their employer to attend their classes during the day while they were at work. The online mode of learning and instruction proved to be more flexible than the traditional mode of in-person instruction that bound the student to the campus with its instructional spaces and facilities. In time, online instruction featured, with the permission of the instructor, the opportunity to record the lecture or the instructor’s presentation and to view it at the student’s convenience. For students who’s first language was not English or French, they would be able to have the class session translated. While this was also possible for in-person classes it was less convenient because the person had to make special arrangements for video recording the class, if that was even possible, and viewing it later if it was made available by the instructor.
In summary, the advantages of the online mode of learning and instruction included:
- Flexibility and Accessibility – Students can access courses and educational materials from anywhere there is an internet connection. It has been noted that this accessibility breaks down geographic barriers and opens doors for a diverse range of learners, particularly those who might have limited access to traditional learning opportunities.
- Pace of Learning – With online learning, especially, asynchronous courses, the students set their own pace of learning. Highly self-motivated students can set their own pace for learning the course materials that suits their learning style.
- Preferred Learning Environment – Students can select their own study space and tailor it to suit their preferences. Students might find that learning in familiar and comfortable surroundings enhances their concentration and focus.
- Wide Array of Digital Learning Tools – The online learning environment draws upon a vast array of e-learning tools: virtual classroom; video conferencing software; and learning management systems (LMS) provide both synchronous and asynchronous interactions between the instructor and students that fosters engagement and communications.
- Learning Materials and Resources – The e-learning platforms can offer diverse multi-media resources such as interactive quizzes, videos, and simulations, that can enhance the learning experience. These dynamic materials can better suit the different learning styles of students that make the educational process more engaging and interactive.[11]
There are some obvious disadvantages to online learning as well. These include:
- The lack of physical interaction.
- The difficulty of staying focused when studying on your own.
- The limited availability and access to resources and support.
- There can be Internet connectivity issues and concerns. The technical issues and difficulties.
- There could be a sense of isolation as students are not present physically as in traditional learning.[12]
There are advantages and disadvantages to both modes of learning and instruction whether online or traditional. These have been summarized nicely in the following manner:
Online learning offers flexibility, accessibility, and personalized learning experiences but may lack face-to-face interaction and require strong self-discipline. On the other hand, traditional learning fosters active engagement and a structured learning environment. Still, it may be less accommodating to students with busy schedules or limited access to physical classrooms. Ultimately, the choice between online and traditional learning depends on individual preferences, learning styles, and specific circumstances. However, increased implementation of online learning and periodic reassessment of the training methods and employee [and students’] feedback can help organizations fine-tune their training [and teaching] programs and ensure they align with the evolving learning and development trends.[13]
Nonetheless, it is important to note that demand for online learning is growing. The market trends for online learning are on the rise.[14] Indeed, one provocative article lists five reasons why online education is the future of education. These are: (1) It’s flexible; (2) It offers a wide selection of programs; (3) It’s accessible; (4) It allows for a customized learning experience; (5) It’s more cost effective than traditional education.[15] And, perhaps the most persuasive argument for why online learning will be the future of education is simply that “90 percent of students think that online learning is the same or better than the traditional classroom experience.”[16]
While there are advantages and disadvantages to traditional and online modes of learning and instruction, it appears that the student demand for online learning modalities will continue to grow and as some have argued will likely be the future of tertiary education, but certainly not exclusively.
Dr. James C. Simeon, Associate Professor
School of Public Policy and Administration
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
029 McLaughlin College
York University
4700 Keele Street North
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3J 1P3
[1] “Common Language of Modes of Learning at York,” Winter 2023, Draft Report of Community Consultations, York University, https://www.yorku.ca/avptl/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2023/04/Common-Language_Document_03282023-1.pdf. (accessed December 28, 2023)
[2] “Teaching Methods: Traditional v. Modern,” stephen perse foundation, July 31, 2017, https://sixthform.stephenperse.com/blog/?pid=458&nid=45&storyid=4728. (accessed December 27, 2023)
[3] “What is the traditional method of teaching? I Definition and Characteristics,” Graphy, June 16, 2022, https://graphy.com/blog/traditional-method-of-teaching/#:~:text=In%20a%20traditional%20learning%20method,Strict%20reliance%20on%20textbooks. (accessed December 27, 2023)
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid. See also “Traditional Teaching Methods: Advantages and Disadvantages,” EuroKids, August 21, 2023, https://www.eurokidsindia.com/blog/traditional-teaching-methods-advantages-and-disadvantages.php. (accessed December 27, 2023)
[7] Ibid. In addition, see, “The Traditional Method of Teaching & Education,” Digital Class, Educational World, undated, https://www.digitalclassworld.com/blog/traditional-method-of-teaching/#google_vignette. (accessed December 27, 2023)
[8] Ibid.
[9] “E-Learning Vs Traditional Learning: Which is Better?” Digital Class, Educational World, undated, https://www.digitalclassworld.com/blog/e-learning-vs-traditional-learning/. (accessed December 27, 2023)
[10] Prior to the advent of the computer and offering courses through educational television, universities and colleges offered courses through correspondence. Students would be mailed the course material and their textbooks and assigned readings and mail back their assignments. Special arrangements were made to conduct their tests and final examinations that were invigilated in a local facility that was accessible to the student. Correspondence courses were replaced largely by online courses or through e-learning in the asynchronous mode of delivery.
[11] Iwona Adamska, “Online Learning vs Traditional Learning: Exploring the Key Differences,” Samelane, August 2, 2023, https://samelane.com/blog/traditional-learning-vs-online-learning/#:~:text=Online%20learning%20offers%20flexibility%2C%20accessibility,and%20a%20structured%20learning%20environment. (accessed December 28, 2023)
[12] Kobi Cohen, “Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Classes,” IU, International University of Applied Sciences, September 1, 2023, https://www.iu.org/blog/studying-online/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-classes/#:~:text=Lack%20of%20face%2Dto%2Dface,your%20fellow%20students%20and%20tutors. (accessed December 28, 2023)
[13] Iwona Adamska, “Online Learning vs Traditional Learning: Exploring the Key Differences,” Samelane, August 2, 2023, https://samelane.com/blog/traditional-learning-vs-online-learning/#:~:text=Online%20learning%20offers%20flexibility%2C%20accessibility,and%20a%20structured%20learning%20environment. (accessed December 28, 2023)
[14] “E-Learning Market Size – By Technology (Online E-Learning, LMS, Mobile E-learning, Rapid E-Learning, Virtual Classroom, Others), Provider (Service Content), Application (Corporate, Education, Government) & Forecast, 2023-2023,” Global Market Insights, May 2023, https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/elearning-market-size#:~:text=E%2DLearning%20Market%20size%20was,learning%20systems%20across%20the%20industry. (accessed December 28, 2023); Loren Coffey, “’Dynamic’ Uncertain Moment for Online Learning,” Inside Higher Education, August 15, 2023, https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/teaching-learning/2023/08/15/report-suggests-online-learning-has-yet-peak. (accessed December 28, 2023) Wherein it states, “Student demand [for online education] has risen over the last academic year, the report argues, noting that while overall enrollment numbers have largely dipped across the nation, online enrollments continue to grow.”; “These 3 charts show the global growth in online learning,” World Economic Forum, January 27, 2022, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/online-learning-courses-reskill-skills-gap/. (accessed December 28, 2023)
[15] Gemma Jesop, “5 Reasons Why Online Learning is the Future of Education in 2023,” educations.com, December 30, 2022, https://www.educations.com/articles-and-advice/5-reasons-online-learning-is-future-of-education-17146. (accessed December 28, 2023)
[16] Ibid.