Technology: Comparing Modes of Delivery

Date:22/6/2024

Created: Clanisha Miller 

Biography

Hello there, my name is Clanisha Miller RN, BSN, Master's Student. I currently reside in Nassau, Bahamas. A country, known for its tropical climate, crystal water beaches, and cool breeze. I enjoy listening to and creating music, videography, and graphic design.

Technology and it's integration into daily living is very astounding. Let's take a moment to glance at the past and gaze at the present permanence of technology. In times past computers took up an entire room. Now we can simply walk around with it. Technology advances in ways most don't understand but rather embrace. I remember, playing the iconic snake game on my mother's Nokia cellphone as a child to playing the first version of the PlayStation gaming console. I remember televisions being more cube-shaped, now they are thinner and 'smarter' with each new model.

My current experience with technology has sparked through my enrollment in an online course. I had the opportunity to use Zoom for class sessions and utilize myelearning for course material and assignment submissions. Now, I'm creating my first blog to share educational content on modes of delivery. Oh, what a journey this will be!

Similarities: Face-to-face, Online and Blended

• Contain learning objectives and educational goals
• Contain assessments such as: quiz, test, assignments
• Encourages interaction
• Governed by an educational institution        

 Differences: Face-to-face, Online and Blended 

• The setting for teaching and learning varies classroom, online forum, and a mixture of both.
• Flexibility ranges from strong to weak among the different modes. 
• Level of student and teacher interaction varies from strong to weak. 
• Some modes offer faster feedback and delivery than others. 

Strength & Weakness: Face-to-face, Online and Blended 

Face- to-face learning

       Strengths

• Learning takes place in a physical classroom
• Direct and faster feedback 
• Fosters interaction; teacher-to-student and peer interactions
• Provides sensitivity to academic dishonesty

Weaknesses   

• Lacks Flexibility of schedule 
• Requires physical learning resources. Ie, hardcopy textbooks
• Enrollment becomes restricted to the proximity of learner and institution 

 

     Online learning

      Strengths

• Maximizes flexibility of class schedule
• Integrates technology into the course

Weaknesses  

• Technological issues: software error or malfunction, lack of internet, power outage 
• Difficult usage for those that are not 'Tech savvy'
• Relies on digital forms of resources 
• Social isolation 

Blended learning

      Strengths

• Provides some level of flexibility
• Promote resilience through dual modes
• Integrates technology 
• Foster interaction 
• Promotes fast feedback 

Weaknesses   

• Technological issues: software error or malfunction, lack of internet, power outage 
• Can cause confusion when switching between two modes
• Enrollment becomes restricted to the proximity of learner and institution

The question may arise, Which mode is the best? The answer is rather simple, its based on the individual's preference. For example, A high school graduate may perfer face-to-face learning because it is a familiar environment that allows for social interaction. However, a 33 year old full-time student and worker may prefer online learning due to it's flexibility. She can navigate her busy work, educational and social life using this mode. 

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References

1. Atwa H, Shehata MH, Al-Ansari A, Kumar A, Jaradat A, Ahmed J, et al. Online, Face-to-Face, or Blended Learning? Faculty and Medical Students’ Perceptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022 Feb 3;9.

2. Rosell CD. Blended Learning in the Classroom: Five creative ways to use it - CAE [Internet]. CAE Computer Aided E-learning. 2020. Available from: https://www.cae.net/five-ways-to-incorporate-blended-learning-methods/

3.CAE. Face-to-face learning - Definition & Meaning [Internet]. proctoredu.com. 2024. Available from: https://proctoredu.com/glossary/face-to-face-learning