Online classes were once a choice for working people. The COVID-19 pandemic situation made many educational institutions and students move towards e-learning. Due to this, the life of people transforms, especially in higher education. It gave way to the Online learning tool as a privilege. Virtual learning time and place comfort attract several students to online education.
Students can take online classes at their convenient time and learn whenever their time permits. Despite many advantages, most encounter technical and assessment challenges that block their absolute success. But there are many Solutions to deal with them to avail maximum benefits.
Here are the four most common problems students face in virtual learning and their solutions.
Definition of Online Classes?
Students in traditional classes may study by listening, reading, writing, and involving in some activities designed by their instructors. Online classes differ as you are in different places than your teacher or other students. There is no chance of meeting the instructors or students in person in most cases.
Overview of Challenges
Online classes are video recordings and live teachings with the course by visiting specific web pages. Students can finish their assignments based on their class schedule. They can interact with their instructors and classmates through e-mail and online discussion forums. This way of attending class is flexible for busy schedules. There is an option to log on to the class at a convenient time of the day.
It makes the students actively participate in the learning process, perhaps more likely to perform better. Moreover, they can grasp the content, which provides an additional advantage of increasing their knowledge.
Challenges in Online Learning
The latest trend of e-learning is gaining attraction among learners even though posing challenges for the students. The following are the big problems today and overcome through proper initiatives.
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Technical Difficulties
One of the issues in an online class is the lack of strong and stable bandwidth internet connections. The internet connections used at homes usually have lower bandwidth or sometimes have exhausted their limits. It may be challenging to log in for a class for students.
In some areas, the speed of the internet connection remains poor. It will be tough to locate the course video and watch it. Only buffering circle will be visible in the centre of the screen. Apart from having a laptop or android mobile, having a reliable internet connection is essential to continue online classes.
Having weak signals to connect the online classes will not offer success in learning. A more robust internet connection is required to attend the online class, which is highly expensive for low-income students who need a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. But these devices are not available cheaply, and they may be challenging to afford for low-income students.
Having computer skills is necessary for the students to technical issues. If a student faces any technical issues on a physical campus, they might get help from the instructors. Technical issues disrupt learning and make the process tedious.
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Time Management Issues
Attending online classes for individuals, young or old, may have issues with time management, and it needs a lot of time and firm work. Online learning is a boon for students with convenience and flexibility. But having a lot of responsibilities at the same time can be challenging to manage. In a survey, it has been finding out that most students opt for online courses due to the flexibility and convenience they provide.
They can attend the class anywhere and without any physical disturbances. More flexibility results in a lack of capacity to use the given time. Time management is essential to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities a challenge.
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Lack of Interaction with Peers and Instructors
Online learning involved expanding the boundaries of knowledge during the pandemic. But studying online at home makes the isolation of students. It is one of the drawbacks for online students. Some students may do well during isolation, but others may struggle to be alone. There are many opportunities for social interaction with peers and instructors in a traditional class.
This is not in virtual classroom activities, and interaction in person promotes bonds between the students and instructors, which may be one of the supportive attributes of the students.
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Difficulty Concentrating
Even though online learning provides joy and convenience, it also comes with several distractions. Now a day, various digital platforms such as videos, blogs, and social media are loaded with more information. It is similar to smartphones and makes our lives easy but difficult to concentrate.
There will be continuous notifications from different platforms, which can distract the students from concentrating on their studies and assignments.
Solutions to Online Class problems
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Establish a Routine and Schedule
Having a routine and schedule of time helps to stay disciplined and focus on goals. If the students have busy schedules for 24 hours, they have to manage their routine tasks and times. They should find time to play, have fun, and relax. Students can multitask to manage time.
Students should list things to complete within the deadline and set daily reminders. Avoid distractions from social media, internet browsing, online gaming, etc. This would save time to focus more on the given course.
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Utilize Online Tools
Students can utilize online tools and have more autonomy in making their schedule, and they can study whenever they feel convenient. This helps them to have control over their schedule and avoid distractions. Virtual learning saves transportation costs and thousands of dollars on textbooks and study materials.
Online learning provides you with more career advancement opportunities.
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Create Opportunities for Interaction
The absence of their classmates to discuss a topic or their teacher can make the students more frustrated. The instructors can overcome this problem. They can organize groups, forums, or webinars for the students to discuss questions and gather information. Even teachers can offer classes through face time.
Interactive sessions can be conducted using polls, live chat, and more.
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Find Motivation
Lack of motivation is one of the major disadvantages for online learners. Students should be involved in positive talks, and this behaviour may help to maintain their focus firmly. Instructors can compete with them and give rankings, prices, and certificates. It will make them engage in studies better.
They can be motivated further by using the study materials in a fun way by creating videos, making challenges, conducting quizzes, etc.
Conclusion
Online classes are where every student learns about a particular subject. They can attend the class from any place with a good internet connection and knowledge of digital technology. Many challenges students face, like technical issues, time management, isolation, lack of motivation, etc.
Every problem has its solutions, and with the above-given suggestions, you can deal with the issues while online learning.
