Understanding the Effect of Distance Learning vs. Face-to-Face Learning Experiences on Students' Engagement in Higher Education

Abstract

The traditional face-to-face lecture method of teaching approach wherein students absorb information from the instructor that trickles down from top to bottom to them has been abruptly unused in all school systems due to the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic globally. The current implementation of hybrid classes and distance learning by most institutions of higher learning nationwide is critical but effective out of necessity, assuring safety measures in every school site domestically and globally. According to Rajabalee, Santaly, and Rennie (2019), based on literature, one of the critical components of quality online education is to ensure learner engagement. that is, the need to effectively measure learner engagement is imperative to determine the performance and the successful achievements of learners. Also, Rajabalee et al.'s (2019) research study aimed to understand the relationship between students' engagement in an online module with their overall performances by analyzing students' learning activities in an online module. In this perspective, this inquiry seeks to highlight the effect of distance learning experiences on students' engagement via determining their performances and successful achievements after undergoing distance learning in comparison to face-to-face learning. In doing so, this paper: defines and explains face-to-face learning, distance learning , and student engagement, i,e, students' performances and successful achievements via reviews of extensive relevant literature on the topic, and finally, concludes this writing.