Online learning means pursuing education through the internet mode. It is often referred to as e-learning or distance learning. It is an alternative to traditional classes. Learning materials, guidance, and back-end support are emitted through online mediums. Often, lectures are recorded. It is pretty flexible, affordable, and has multimedia content, making it practical for students. Let us understand “What Are The Problems That Students Face in Online Learning?”
The problems that the students face are procrastination, technical glitches, lack of e-tech resources, communication issues, fear of cheating, distractions, lack of self-motivation, less knowledge of digital media, and more rational reasons are mentioned below:
Technical Glitches
The majority of the students had adapted to online learning during the pandemic period. However, not each student got equipped with excellent internet services. There are issues like affordability to purchase internet connection, lack of knowledge of computer applications, technical issues during online classes, etc. At times, a slow and high internet speed affects during the sessions.
Other factors like video blurring and poor connectivity lead to voice glitches. In addition, downloading the required information is delayed. Apart from internet connection issues, the monitor or laptop will shut down at times.
Lack Of Discipline & Procrastination
A lot of distractions may occur while studying from home. The regular schedule gets disturbed unless the guardians are strict enough. However, additional responsibilities make time management a bit more challenging. In addition, students attending online sessions for hours create a sedentary lifestyle.
Lack of activities leads to procrastination, laziness, consuming junk & pre-packed foods, lack of management, etc. On the campus, students have a chance to explore the campus, canteens, good quality classrooms, parks, playgrounds, etc. Due to online learning, minor compact space ushers frustration, distraction, and procrastination.
Absence Of Personal Interaction
Due to social distancing and the quarantine era, there was a lack of personal touch or in-person interaction. As a result, most of the student’s feedback is that transition to virtual learning is not the same as regular classes. There are face-to-face interactions, gestures, and direct communication with the professor in regular classes.
After all, humans are social animals. Interacting and meeting with different people are reluctant, intuitive, and spontaneous. The virtual learning & interactions lack in fulfilling such presence.
The environment created in an offline class cannot be mimicked/replicated in the virtual session. Similarly, students may get disobedient & mischievous by turning off their webcams or do not attend classes by stating fake excuses such as low internet connection.
A Deficit In The Availability Of EdTech Facilities
Ed-tech products like laptops, computer machines, 24/7 electricity availability, and internet services are not cost-effective. These products are hefty to afford. Thus, students from low-income backgrounds fall behind to access online learning experiences. Even though with the availability of facilities & technology has improved drastically, there is still dependency upon the professors/experts to guide the students.
Leaning-disabled students require special training, more personalized attention, and more care/guidance for improving their performance. Such issues are ill effects of virtual learning and lead to affect academic performance.
Adaptability & Challenges In Virtual Learnings
Each student can’t get adapt to the transition to online learning. Every student has different learning styles. It might be difficult to stare at one screen for hours and accept the new approach to virtual learning.
Online stagnant classes may create a lack of concentration, which ushers in a lack of understanding of concepts & understanding. Similarly, the issues are faced from both sides. At times, even professors who have excelled in traditional learnings may not be adaptable to online classes. Technical glitches are faced by them too. Thus, it disrupts the atmosphere of a typical class.
Deciphering The Challenges
Prepare A Schedule & Daily Goals
The best approach to avoid procrastination and laziness is to prepare a fixed schedule and reward yourself after achieving your daily goals. If possible, avoid multitasking & find a peaceful place to concentrate & complete your coursework. Avoid distractions that can affect your learning. Seek assistance from your near – ones to avoid the burden of your work.
Reach Out To The Professors For Assistance
Even though there is a lack of personal attention but students should take advantage of the available resources & tools. Using video conferencing programs like Zoom, Skype, Google meets, or facetime is the best alternative for assistance. Reaching out & interacting with your classmates is also an option.
Online learning connects a bridge for interaction, knowledge, and skills between a professor and a student. For any problems/issues do not hesitate to seek assistance from the professors/friends.
Clear your concepts & doubts on virtual learning platforms. There are abundant resources available in the form of videos, reading materials, multimedia charts & graphs to assist with your education.
Self-Motivation & Adapt Your Learning Style
Create a to-do list to find a balance between your workspace and daily chores. Checkmark off the stuff that you have completed also motivates you to perform better. Stay in touch with your peer group & professors. Discuss & resolve your queries
Your learning style in traditional method & virtual learning has a vast difference. Seek out to the professors for feedback to know your strengths & weakness. Gain insight by taking feedback on your learning style.
Forseek & Implement New Tools
There are abundant ways to improve & enhance virtual learning. Opt for different methods of learning. Conduct different activities, debates, discussions, virtual tours, open forums, and play trending games to evacuate boredom.
Effective communication & collaboration reduces distraction & procrastination. A professor may not be able to reach out to each student. Thus, prepare FAQs for the common questions.
Conclusion
E-learning or Online learning has been adopted during the pandemic period. Many universities provided online courses in the pre-pandemic period, but it became more frequent and the only method during Covid-19. Students may face a lack of concentration, interaction, distraction, procrastination & discipline in online learning. However, it is essential to make use of maximum resources that are available and seek assistance from classmates & professors for any queries/problems or technical glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Online classes effective?
Even with the cons, online classes are quite flexible, convenient, and accessible at any place and time. It suits other learning styles, it is affordable, and many universities provide recorded lectures. It is less intimidating and consumes less energy & carbon emissions.
- Why do students have preferred e-learning?
The majority of students are preferring for a hybrid mode of learning. E-learning creates difficulty for interaction & collaboration with the peer groups. However, it has helped to become independent learners, and explore new applications and skills which has accelerated growth & capabilities among the students.
- What activities are conducted during an online class?
Activities such as blogging, debates, discussions, assignments, quizzes, projects, reading, and much more are conducted during an online class.
