Abstract:

Introduction:
The implementation of distance learning in vocational education and training (VET) is relatively new, with a clear increase in demand in recent years. In the Valencian Community there are 14 offers of vocational training in the health sector and 78.6% of them are also offered in the form of distance learning. The objective of this work was to determine if there are differences in the students' profile and academic performance between traditional and distance learning modes.

Methods:
A comparative cross-sectional observational study based on a frequency analysis was carried out. 82 students from the first year of Emergency Health Care were enrolled. A self-designed survey and student’s grades were used as measuring tools.

Results:
Students of the distance group were older, with an active work situation, worse availability, more responsibilities, greater interest in the studies and, therefore, greater motivation. However, students of the face-to-face modality were characterized by having fewer responsibilities, parents with a higher level of education, as well as a greater knowledge of languages. Finally, academic achievement of students enrolled in the face-to-face group was greater.

Conclusion:
Despite these results, both modalities provide quality training and it should be considered that the distance learning will become more important due to the characteristics of today's society together with the progress of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Keywords:

Vocational education and training, face-to-face learning, student’s profile, academic achievement.