Why do students struggle with online learning?
Whether you call it online learning, remote learning, or distance learning, schooling looks different from the COVID-19 crisis.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a pandemic and forced the global shutdown for schools, colleges, offices, etc. This migrated the students, teachers to the online learning system in this new normal lifestyle. It offers several benefits for the students, but not for everyone. The sudden migration from traditional learning to online learning leads some teachers and kids with various challenges.
So, if you’re considering learning online, then before beginning your journey, you should know the challenges you may face. Here are some of the most common complications that many students face with online learning.
1. Adaptability
Due to the instant shift from traditional classroom learning, students find it hard to adapt to the online learning environment. Students with the traditional learning mindset feel difficulty in switching to new learning circumstances with an open heart and mind. However, as a student, you need to accept the change and make yourself comfortable.
2. Self-motivation
To excel in online learning, self-motivation is an essential requirement. But, many students lack motivation. After enrolling in a remote learning class, many students fall behind and think of giving up as they struggle in handling the online medium. Hence, the students need the right motivation to follow the new learning trends. To overcome this challenge, students should stay with a positive attitude.
3. Technical Problems
For online education, the main thing required for the student is good internet access. Unfortunately, many students may not be well equipped with high bandwidth or a strong internet connection. Even some students will face compatibility issues either with OS or Browsers.
So, if a student suffers from these kinds of technical problems, there is a high chance of missing the live sessions at some point. Besides, they may struggle to download information, etc.
4. Computer Knowledge
Though we live in a digital era, some students still don’t have proper knowledge in operating basic programs like PowerPoint, MS Office, etc… If so, how can they deal with technical activities like logging in, attending live classes, interacting with teachers, and submitting assignments?
To get rid of this challenge, students must have basic technological knowledge. Else, choose the right platform which provides access to the students’ full range of supportive services through email, phone, and live chat.
5. Gadget shortage
Many students don’t have their gadgets to attend an online class. They share their gadget either with their parents or siblings to stay connected with their distance learning.
6. Distraction
Remote learning is a great experience. But online classes are different from traditional classes. This is because, at-home learning, students may be distracted by many little things like parents’ interruption, television noise, gadget usage, etc.
The only way to overcome this challenge is to restrict your study room for others to enter during the live or group session.
7. Audio or Video Clarity
We all know, poor internet connection affects the clarity of audio or video during an online class. But, some types of microphones and cameras may also contribute to such kinds of issues. It may cause background noise or unwanted echo either from the professor’s end or the student’s end. This will be more annoying to attend the class.
8. Time Management
For a student, time management is the most required thing, especially for an online class. Though remote learning is available at flexible times, some students may not be able to manage time. However, you can easily manage your time by avoiding multitasking and creating a To-Do-List. With the regularly scheduled planner, learners can set reminders for their live sessions and the due date for assignments, which will help them manage time.
9. Assignment
Assignments are a major part of online learning. It will allow teachers to evaluate the student’s understanding level. Whenever a project or assignment is given, students may seek for teachers’ help to clarify doubts. Hence, for some students, completing assignments without proper guidance from the teacher will be a hard job.
10. Security issue
Doesn’t matter what you learn in your online class; many people are more concerned about securing online activities. Though many educational sites assure students’ privacy, in some cases, online platforms will not be safe for the students. So, before enrolling in your course, make sure that the chosen platform is completely secured or not.
Bottom lines
So… if you’re willing to take an online class for a specific subject, then you should know both positive and negative things that kids experience. The reasons mentioned above will help you to know what struggles that you experience in online learning. Many of the issues may not be soluble, but you can find the alternative to success as an online learner for some challenges!