Comparison Between Face-To-Face and Online Education Class Formats in LBP (LTD based PBL)

<p> Abstract LTD based PBL (LBP) is Problem Based Learning (PBL) based on the cooperative learning technique Learning Through Discussion (LTD). The LBP technique was utilized in a class called “LTD based PBL (LBP)” for first-year students of the Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo. The LBP classes were conducted in the following education formats : all online in FY2020, both online and face-to-face in FY2021, and all face-to-face in FY2022. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of student questionnaire surveys on small-group activities between online and face-to-face class formats in LBP. In the survey on whether LBP is viable as the students experienced the full or partial online class format in both FY2020 and FY2021, approximately 60% of students responded affirmatively that the Zoom breakout room was sufficient for interaction, compared to less than 10% of students who responded negatively. Furthermore, in terms of the LBP class format a much higher percentage of students preferred face-to-face LBP compared to online. Moreover, it was indicated that “presenting,” “listening,” “speaking up,” and “discussing” were all easier for many students to conduct face-to-face than online. It was inferred that the Internet environment, Zoom functionality and screen-mediated discussions in the online format presented difficulties for the students. However, it was also indicated that the online class format allows for a certain level of group activity through the use of breakout rooms with an improved Internet environment, but requires some devices in terms of video-on status and the use of whiteboard function applications.</p>