Differences, limitations and advantages of effective online and face-to-face teaching methods for a media arts course

This study assesses the differences, limitations and advantages of online teaching and learning in interactive media arts (IMA) and design education. This research traces the development of alternative methods and activities for effective online teaching and learning during a sudden migration from face-to-face (F2F) to online caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19. Data and reflections were gathered and qualitatively analyzed from media production and programming courses. The courses were conducted with newly developed and adjusted methods including synchronous online lecture, live-coding, discussion and presentation, asynchronous video tutorial, virtual office hours, responsive communication and online exhibition. In addition, various methods of trouble-shooting students' code issues were explored, which included Slack, Google Drive, Atom Teletype, VS Code LiveShare and Zoom ScreenShare. Findings reveal that the adjusted online methods produced similar outcomes to F2F instruction. The results display positive assessments of students' engagement and adaptation to online teaching and learning.