Rally-based Learning: The Comparison between Online and Offline Active Learning

Abstract

Distance learning has been increasingly important, but it yields lack of positive learning environment, which causes a lower level of students' motivation. The current study aims to compare students’ feedback regarding active learning activity of those who registered regular offline class (before COVID outbreak in Thailand) and those who registered online class (during COVID outbreak). The active learning used in the current study is "Rally." In the offline semester, students walked/ran around the university to find the answers about places, while in online semester, students used Google Maps to seek for the answers. After collecting students' feedback, the findings were reported as narration. Students with positive attitude toward the class, both online and offline, found that this activity improved their enjoyment and reduced their fear regarding English language. Some offline students had negative attitude, because they were tired to walk. Hence, teachers should give them an advice to plan their route systematically. A similar problem found in both online and offline session was some students' lack of responsibility. In offline class, they bought snack during class, and in online class, they left other group members to work, while they did not do anything. These could help suggest that individual work should be assigned for online class, rather than the group work. However, future study should develop strategies to motivate online students with lack of responsibility.