Online and Face-to-Face Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis of Instructors and Student’s Performance

Abstract

This study explores the perception of teachers and students regarding online learning's advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations. This quantitative case study was conducted from April to December 2021. Eighty-one cases (Teachers and students) from the College of Science, Law, administration, Agriculture, Language, Administration, Economics, and Physical education were invited to participate. The result was tested by Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. In conclusion, in terms of knowledge, online learning has many advantages and disadvantages. It is a vital ability to support lifelong learning and professionalization in their disciplines, defined as an alternative and flexible tool to maintain education in some situations, like online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the disadvantages, teachers and students saw inefficiencies in teaching specific skills, such as practical skills that require group work. Additionally, teachers and students agreed on the weaknesses of online learning in terms of student-teacher interaction and student-student interaction (such as debate and discussion). Another downside of online learning is that it is difficult to prevent cheating, confirming the need for more confidence and quality assurance in online learning.