Unlocking High-Quality Education: A Comparative Analysis of Online versus Traditional Teaching Modalities in a Higher Education Institution in Milagro, Ecuador

Introduction: Nowadays, the quality of teaching is a key and decisive factor in the field of education. Technological innovations have transformed teaching and learning, sparking debates among the academic community about the vision of online learning and, in this case, whether it achieves the same level as face-to-face learning. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of online teaching in relation to traditional education in supporting students' academic success and English language proficiency. Methodology: This study employed an applied quantitative, quasi-experimental research design to compare the effects of different teaching modalities. The sample consisted of 348 undergraduate students enrolled in an English Language Teaching (ELT) programme, who were non-randomly assigned across eight distinct experimental groups. Data were collected using a standardised achievement test administered to all participants. For the statistical analysis of group differences, a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Both online and traditional groups achieved equal academic performance, indicating that the modalities used do not affect performance and that equal opportunities are provided to all students. Key recommendation: It is essential to examine the pedagogical frameworks that shape learning experiences at different levels, and their implications for student participation, knowledge retention, and long-term progress. These factors are vital for both educators and policymakers focused on improving instructional strategies. Innovative contribution: The study integrates cognitive processes with observable behaviours by examining academic performance across various learning strategies. This contributes to the development of effective teaching strategies adapted to specific contexts by providing them with solid evidence. Conclusion: Advances in technology have transformed education by providing numerous forms of learning that extend beyond the traditional teaching framework.