Comparison of students’ evaluation of online courses versus face-to-face format.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a comparative study of the perceived differences between two similar courses (Accounting Principles I) offered in higher education, one offered online and the other with face to face teaching and learning. The internet has proven to be an effective tool in e-learning. At the same time, many courses are offered in the traditional synchronous way where the teaching and learning mainly takes place in the classroom. This study was conducted at a university in the USA amongst 25 students enrolled in an online accounting course and 35 students who studied the same course in a face-to-face format. The qualitative and quantitative data are based on the students’ course evaluation forms of the instructor’s teaching and overall satisfaction with the course. The findings suggest that the students found the asynchronous online teaching and learning interesting, however they expressed their concern on the difference in the communication style with the instructor. Many students nevertheless, suggest that learning and teaching in the classroom is equally effective in their learning.