Common Problems Faced By Students In Online Learning

 Common Problems Faced By Students In Online Learning

The expansion of the internet, it’s time and place flexibility or accessibility has led to an increase in the demand for online learning across the world. We all know that online learning is attracting more and more students for better learning experiences. But many of them encounter challenges that can cause hindrance in their learning. The benefits are getting suppressed by the challenges during their learning process. So these are some common challenges faced by students which are discussed below:

1) Adaptability Struggle

· Students find it difficult to adapt to an online learning environment immediately by switching from traditional classroom learning which is from face to face instructor training to computer based training in a virtual classroom.

·  Due to the sudden change, they are not able to accept and adapt to the whole new technology which is commuter based learning.

·  Students who have been always studying in the traditional classroom mind-set are not able to focus on online platforms and so It is important for them to accept the new learning environment with an open mind. 

2) Technical Issues

·  Many students are not well equipped with a high internet connection 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 that is very must be required for online learning.

· Due to this, they face problems in going live for virtual learning and other platforms that require internet connection. They face technical issues as they are not much aware of technology and computer applications.

·  Moreover, most of the students 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 Centres for technical assistance.

·  A slow and high internet connection can play an important role in how quickly you can attend the class and do not miss any live sessions. There is a possibility of poor connectivity if you find difficulty in downloading some information related to the subject, blurred videos, etc. 

3) Computer Literacy

·  Lack of computer education is a major concern in today’s world. There are many students who still cannot operate basic computer programs like MS word and PowerPoint and are not able to handle their online projects and assignments.

·  And whenever some technical issues emerge, they find it difficult to solve the problem in such a scenario as they have no knowledge in this area.

·  They face difficulties with live classes, usage of appropriate icons, MS office, communication-related apps and websites, browsing study materials, etc. Sometimes they do not know technology proficiency like login, live classes, creating and submitting work, communicating with teachers and friends.  

4) Time Management

·    Time management is a difficult task for new online learners, as online courses require a lot of time and intensive work. In many cases students find difficulty in managing their time with online learning.

·  Online learning is completely new for them and requires intensive work. They need a scheduled planner to manage their time in an effective manner. Online learning provides flexible time unlike traditional classrooms. But some face difficulties in adjusting to the time required for online learning. 

5) Self-Motivation

·    Students start losing hope once they find difficulty in online learning. It requires motivation to complete tasks and engage students with their learning. Lack of motivation is a common challenge for all students. 

·  Self-motivation is an online learning essential requirement; however much to their surprises, 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 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 e-learning in their education and careers.

6) Distraction

·     Learning from home is an amazing experience. You might expect things around you to be like a school campus. But at home things are different for example, you might want a massive classroom, parks, playgrounds, canteens, friends, teachers around you to guide and learn. But with online learning, you have to manage everything in one room with parents, siblings and other family members around you which can easily distract you.

· You can’t concentrate in lectures due to different sounds coming from surroundings like traffic, utensils, children crying, elders shouting, temples prayers, loud music etc. which are enough to disturb you and rather concentrate in surroundings.

·  Even due to these sounds you can’t concentrate on our projects and presentations during the class and easily get distracted.

7) Learning Styles

·     Most of the students have learned in the physical classroom. Online learning can make you adapt to different styles of learning. There are some students who can adapt to these styles quickly but what about the students who need time? In such cases, they lack concentration, inability to understand the live classes, difficulty in creating projects and assignments using technology.

8)Communication

· Students lack effective communication skills during online learning. Teachers give assignments for improving reading and writing skills but there is a possibility that they might not be able to write so convincingly that educators understand the concept behind their assignments.

·  There are some students who feel shy to communicate with their teachers and friends due to the new model of learning. It might happen due to lack of interest, poor technological skills with apps and video calls or unable to express themselves via live chats, emails or text messages.

9) Virtual Engagement

·     Online classes help teachers to provide reading material, assignments, communication via email, live chats or messages and delivering content by live sessions, presentations, recorded videos or lectures for the students. In spite of all these activities, still some students do not find engaging compared to a traditional one.

· Students find it difficult to communicate in person who struggles with understanding concepts. Many times these students do not even approach teachers to clear their doubts.

10) Feedback 

·    Every student needs feedback for their performance during the learning process so that they can improve their learning abilities. They are not only observed during the tests or exams but also for each assignment and project.

· Research reveals that the students hardly visit their assignments to check their suggestions and comments. The feedback model with respect to online will be difficult for them to understand and implement.  

Online Learning is good news, but at its initial stage it poses certain threats to students. But with attitude change and technological literacy would help them gain confidence in order to succeed in their courses with a positive vibe.

 BLOG BY:- DEVANSHI PATEL & MEGHA BHATNAGAR

DEPARTMENT:- AIB

UNIVERSITY:- AMITY UNIVERSITY RAJASTHAN