Advantages and Disadvantages of Online and Face-to-Face Peer Learning in Higher Education: A Review

During the pandemic, many institutions shifted to online teaching, and in some cases, this included existing peer learning programs. As pandemic receded, of these programs returned face-to-face operation others adopted a blended format, while remained online. Interestingly, literature suggests that is somewhat more effective than learning. This might be because enables responses at any time (which thoughtful), anonymity, wider nexus relationships, although it can create issues regarding initial development trust. There are great studies both learning, but relatively few directly compare both. By way addressing gap, paper aims systematically review 17 papers both, informed by updating only previous area. Online performs better offline terms cognitive outcomes, with small moderate effect size. However, associated socio-emotional complex. offers flexibility response time, sacrifices immediate dialogue Some cultures found accepting difficult. Few undertook longer-term follow-up, practice motivation, well improve. The results have implications for type chosen pedagogical designers as appropriate their own context.