Exploring traditional vs. online language education: A literature review and future research directions
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Concerns grow as technological growth shifts education, especially language learning, from traditional face-to-face to online platforms. While many admire the flexibility of online learning, they are unaware of its limitations and disadvantages for learners and education in general. To discern the challenges and benefits of online vs. traditional face-to-face learning, this paper, through a thematic analysis of over 60 studies and based on Moore’s (1989) three types of interaction, addresses three key questions: (1) Among Moore’s (1989) three types of interaction— learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-learner, which type has the most and least impact on online language learning? (2) What are the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of learning with respect to learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-learner interaction? (3) How does online language education influence learning and language skills? The results reveal that among some main challenges such as internet connectivity and technological problems, lack of interaction stands out as a major drawback. As Moore (1989) argues, learner-content interaction is found to be the most influential type in online education followed by learner-instructor and leaner-learner. Although not all existing literature supports this argument, the majority conform to Moore’s (1989) claim. At the end, the review offers pedagogical and technological recommendations for improving the quality and effect of each type of interaction.
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