Challenges for Online Learning

Nowadays—the age of rapid technological growth is incomparable to other generations—technology can be utilized in many ways. With only an internet connection, a single instructor can reach thousands of scholars in an online course, opening up a world of knowledge to a myriad of individuals. This limitless reach offers working adults a lot of flexibility in pursuing a course of study in higher education while having a full schedule. It is common to hear that online learning is a great alternative to traditional classroom, but it is uncommon to hear that online learning requires certain qualities to be successful. While distance education proves to be easily accessible, online courses calls for students to learn how to manage their time, know their learning style, and familiarize themselves with the class in order to be successful.

The flexibility of online education is frequently what entices individuals into enrolling. Online courses grant students the freedom to juggle their work and family obligations because they are not tied down to a fixed time to attend class. However, with freedom comes responsibility, and that responsibility can only be met by the scholar. Time management is crucial in order to accomplish all commitments as efficiently as possible. Making “anytime, anyplace” courses work means to “take control of your physical space” and applying organization to the existing schedule (“Online Success” 1). To create the mental and physical space in advance of what is to come next conditions an individual into becoming a successful student. Whether to create an assignment tracker that is linked to a calendar or block time to get assignments completed in advance, managing them beforehand is an effective way of managing time. Chances are, there may be a time that an unexpected checklist of work that is due two hours before a submission deadline will appear. However, with good time management, scholars can accomplish more in a short amount of time leading to more free time, resisting time pressure, and helping one focus on career success. Knowing that there is enough time to complete each duty and ticking off that checklist as assignments are complete will help ease anxiety about all that needs to be completed. When time management is put into practice, there is less room for students to be surprised by what needs to be done. As productivity becomes increasingly effective, so will the reputation of the person performing the tasks.

An intrinsic element of an educational process is the interaction between a student and an instructor, allowing teachers to know their scholars and evaluate strengths and weaknesses. With online courses, the situation changes. Communication serves as an evident barrier versus traditional face-to-face courses, thus, students need to determine their learning style which is an individual’s approach to learning based on preferences. A scholar must know themselves as a learner if they want to achieve to the best of their ability allowing one to study smarter not harder. Visual learners can efficiently study by color-coding notes and drawing diagrams. Auditory learners can read aloud, talk through information, and make up rhymes to remember. Kinesthetic learners can trace lecture notes and rewrite sentences. Although most online instructors are able to assess students through responses, not all course-takers are inclined to email. When the classroom is only structured learning material and a computer screen, not knowing one’s learning style may negatively impact the coursetaker. With becoming aware of how one’s brain learns best comes effective communication with the instructor.

One of the biggest problems online college students face is isolation and estrangement from professors, leading to the likeliness of dropping. However, prospective students shouldn’t be deterred from achieving their goal just because there’s a chance that they could struggle and fall behind. Distance education courses are considerably structured and students should familiarize themselves with the class. According to the article “Introduction to Online Learning”, most misconceptions about online courses “have gotten in the way of some students who then found it difficult or impossible to complete… successfully” (1). Distance education courses being easier than a traditional face-to-face classroom is the most classic misconception with online learning. On the contrary, online classes are mostly accelerated three times as fast than a typical semester. It is the student’s responsibility to “fully understand your instructor’s expectations” (“Online Learning” 3) by reason of every course material needed being uploaded online, therefore, late work and excuses are not condoned.

Since workload is so time consuming, adjusting coursework into one’s schedule can prove to be quite challenging. This mode of learning allows those who may have other commitments power over how to delegate their time. No longer can one wait for that hand to be raised in hopes of possessing the same question. Online course takers can be successful with learning how to manage their time, knowing their learning style, and familiarizing themselves with the class.

Works Cited

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