Student Responses to Virtual Synchronous, Hybrid, and Face-to-Face Teaching/Learning

Abstract

The authors of this research project developed a survey to gather information from graduate students about the experiences using a virtual synchronous platform, called Adobe Connect. While the format of the virtual classroom should encourage robust discussion, the authors found this not to be the case in the online virtual synchronous courses in education. Curious as to why the quality of discussion was poorer than expected, the authors surveyed graduate students enrolled in their virtual, hybrid (combination of face-to-face and virtual), and face-to-face classes over four semesters. Analysis of respondents’ Likert Scale ratings and answers to open-ended questions about various aspects of virtual synchronous, hybrid, and face-to-face course presentations were conducted, with a major focus on virtual synchronous online experiences. Results indicated that a learning curve exists when taking virtual synchronous course delivery. In other words, the more courses the students took the more competent and satisfied they became.