I recently came across an article on elearningindustry.com describing five problems that learners face when getting started in their first online classes. I thought it was pretty accurate to my own experience in beginning an online degree program.
The five problems are described as:
The five problems are described as:
- Adaptability Struggle.
Switching from traditional classroom and face to face instructor training to computer-based training in a virtual classroom makes the learning experience entirely different for students. Their resistance to change doesn’t allow them to adapt to the online learning environment, whereas it takes time for them to get accustomed to Course Management Systems (CMS) and the methods of computer-based education. While passive listening and notes taking are expected in a traditional classroom, online discussions or creating a web page demand springing into action. Students with a “traditional” mindset find it difficult to adapt; however, they need to accept the new learning circumstances with an open mind and heart. Understanding the benefits of eLearning and even discussing them with their peers may change this mindset and better prepare students for online classes. - Technical Issues.Many students are not provided with the high bandwidth or the strong internet connection that online courses require, and thus fail to catch up with their virtual classmates: Their weak monitors make it hard to follow the Course Management System and their learning experience becomes problematic. Moreover, most of them live off campus and find it difficult to keep in tune with the technical requirements of the chosen course. Some of them don’t even own computers and seek help in Learning Resource Centers for technical assistance. The only solution to this problem is knowing exactly what kind of technological support they will need for a certain course before enrolling in it, as well as properly equipping themselves for the course’s successful completion.
- Computer Literacy.Although students are generally tech savvy, and thus able to manage computers well, lack of computer literacy is a major issue among students today. Many of them cannot operate basic programs such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and therefore are not able to handle their files. Furthermore, many students find fixing basic computer problems troublesome, as they have no knowledge in this area. However, technological proficiency is a must for following online courses, as it enables students to manage their assignments and courseware in an organized manner without struggling. Basic courses in computer literacy enhance students’ knowledge in the field; having a fundamental knowledge of computer hardware would help them participate in online classes without interruptions and hindrances.
- Time Management.Time management is a difficult task for eLearners, as online courses require a lot of time and intensive work. Furthermore, whereas it is mostly adults who prefer web-based learning programs for their place and time flexibility, they rarely have the time to take the courses due to their various everyday commitments. A regular schedule planner would be a significant help to these learners, as they could even set reminders for their courses and assignments.
- Self-Motivation.Self-motivation is an eLearning essential requirement; however, many online learners lack it, much to their surprise. After enrolling in distance learning courses, many learners fall behind and nurture the idea of giving up, as difficulties in handling a technological medium also seem insurmountable. Students need to find the motivation to follow the new educational trends and also properly equip themselves for future challenges in their education and careers. Only a positive attitude will help them overcome the challenges in eLearning; though this is hard to practice, students need to understand that it is necessary in order to reap the eLearning’s benefits in the future.
If you are completing an online degree program or have taken any online classes did you experience any of these common problems? If so, what steps did you take to overcome them?
If you have never engaged in online learning, do you think any of these problems would prove an impediment to your success if you were to take an online class? If so, which problems and why?
I like that font!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteAs someone who has taken numerous courses online I can relate to many of the points mentioned. I can especially relate to the time management and motivation points. As pointed out, with online learning being somewhat less structured it can be difficult to obtain the motivation needed, knowing that you have the flexibility to complete things on your time. Thus, I personally tried to set a specific time to complete the assignments. This was typically after work and allowed me to mentally prepare for the tasks that needed to be done. For me it was all about being consistent and trying to structure myself in a less structured learning environment.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, I usually try to get my assignments done after work as early in the week as possible. If I can make that a habit early each term it pays dividends in the long run.
DeleteI have been in an online degree program for about a year now. While I anticipated experiencing several of these problems, I have been fortunate not to have run into any real issues. Prior to this degree program I had never taken an online class, so my biggest concern was whether I would be able to adapt to the online format. However, I believe I adapted very quickly and now consider myself to be a big supporter of online learning. In the traditional classroom format, I am the type of person to sit back, observe, and listen rather than openly participate. It takes time for me to process my thoughts on a subject and come up with meaningful discussion points and questions, so I like that the online class format allows students additional flexibility. I do not have issues with time management, because the syllabi of the courses are structured in a way that deadlines are obvious and I can set my own schedule to meet those deadlines. I also find that I am able to easily motivate myself when I know what needs to be done and by when. Thankfully, I have not experienced any technical issues, since my laptop is equipped with the technology needed to be successful in my online courses.
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous that you've been able to avoid technical issues. My pc runs Windows 10 and it's a chore just to navigate between Chrome tabs, let alone D2L.
DeleteHaving taken several online classes, I can identify with the five problems. I would like to add a sixth problem that I experienced in one particular class. The instructor in this class had problems in clearly expressing instructions and in giving feedback. When we as students would ask for clarification, the instructor would become defensive and tell us to just reread the instructions as she had given them. This was extremely frustrating among the students and we would message each other trying to figure out what we were to do. This led at least one student to complain to the department head.
ReplyDeleteWould the same problem exist in a traditional classroom where you can see the facial expressions and hear the voice inflections of the instructor and where you could immediately ask for clarification? Perhaps. But my point here is that online instructors have to be doubly sure they are clearly presenting the material and their requirements to the students.
I have completed two online master’s degrees and I must say that I have experienced all of the struggles listed above. The complete change in the medium of learning---from a teacher-centered lecture style to a more interactive online community is quite a change and requires a certain level of patience to maneuver. Personally, the greatest difference was feedback; in a classroom I could raise my hand and ask a professor a question whereas online required me to write an email to a professor and wait for that email to be answered. Interestingly enough, technical issues were also an issue at times in my online learning. Adaptability of online software sometimes required patience and quite a bit of trouble shooting. Perhaps most importantly, self-motivation is the primary indicator of whether or not a person will be successful with an online curriculum. There is a tremendous amount of work to do in online courses with less immediate feedback from professors and usually no specific time to meet with classmates or to work. This can be exceedingly dangerous for those that are not good at self-regulating or independent learning. Interestingly enough, I felt more responsible for my learning in my online graduate courses than when I was an undergrad. My studies were more self-directed, and I feel that I got exactly what I put in to my work, which, thankfully, was quite a bit of effort that resulted in a significant amount of learning albeit in a different way than a typical classroom experience.
ReplyDeleteMaintaining the self motivation is key but I agree that in an ironic way the online class helps enable this. When you don't have the option of being a passive learner listening to a lecture or studying with other students your self motivation is all you have to make it through.
DeleteI took a few online courses during my undergraduate studies and afterward as continued education in subjects I found interesting. While online courses are in theory easier for those with busy schedules for me they actually required more time and stress than attending an in person class. Also they were not as beneficial in terms of learning the material than in person courses for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree the struggle of access to equipment and computer knowledge is real as well as the time commitment needed. Depending on the course I recall having to sit with my computer for hours waiting for comments from fellow classmates on my posts for me to reply in order to generate enough activity to warrant an acceptable grade. It struck me as ineffective that my grade wasn’t reliant on my grasp of the material but on my classmates willingness to participate as well.
In classrooms settings interactions between students are organic and often more beneficial to the learning process than forced comments on a message board.