Face-to-face vs. Online Asynchronous Teaching in a Conservation Biology Course

Abstract

In order to be effective, e-learning environments should include a diverse range of pedagogical practices and should focus on active learning student-centered pedagogical. Therefore, it should not be the delivery medium, but rather the instructional methods that facilitate proper learning. Courses that incorporate effective instructional methods will support better learning than courses that do not use effective methods, regardless of the mode of delivery. We compared a traditionally taught face to face Conservation Biology course, Biol 4244/5244, for Biology majors to a fully online asynchronous e-learning course designed using essentially the same materials but varying course delivery. The Biol 4244/4244 course is designated by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as a “writing-intensive course”, where communication is a significant part of the course learning experience. We found no significant differences in learning outcomes, regardless of the method of course delivery. Overall, we feel that this study indicates that online instruction in this type of course is a viable alternative to face-to-face instruction.

What Does It Mean To Take Online Classes As An International Student During COVID-19?

“…For instance, teachers help students solve a problem or accomplish a difficult task (House, 1981). Instrumental support in the online space could start from holding frequent, synchronous virtual meetings to increase faculty presence or responding to emails timely to help solve problems (Wells et al, 2022). For international students who may need extra help in understanding a new educational system online, more instrumental support from online instructors is especially important.…”

OLJ December 2022 26(4)

“…For instance, teachers help students solve a problem or accomplish a difficult task (House, 1981). Instrumental support in the online space could start from holding frequent, synchronous virtual meetings to increase faculty presence or responding to emails timely to help solve problems (Wells et al, 2022). For international students who may need extra help in understanding a new educational system online, more instrumental support from online instructors is especially important.…”