The top challenges of online learning: 5 significant problems and their solutions

The spread of COVID-19 changed the education system completely. It interrupted students' education and schools scrambled to find a way to help students continue taking classes.

They turned to technology. Schools started investing in EdTech tools and video conferencing platforms in a bid to adapt to the new change.

Using technology to educate students has a lot of benefits. But it also has its downsides as we will see below. Not every student is finding it easy to adapt to online learning. They are facing challenges that are causing their grades to decline.

In this article, we'll be discussing the top challenges students (and teachers) face with online learning and how to solve them.

Let's dive in.

What is online learning?

Online learning is a process of acquiring knowledge through technology, such as phones, laptops, computers, and more. It is also called electronic learning (e-learning) as it uses electronic devices to connect students around the globe to a virtual environment for learning purposes.

Benefits of online learning

Before we look at the challenges of online learning, here are few benefits of this new education model:

• Flexibility: Online learning gives students more time to do things outside of school work, such as take on jobs, spend time with friends and family, and more.
• Brings education to your doorstep: With online learning, you don't have to leave your home or go anywhere, you can learn in the convenience of your home.
• Comfortable learning surroundings: Many students find their homes more comfortable than the school environment.
• Less investment of time and energy: Physical schools take up several hours of a student's time. At home, students only have to dedicate time to classes, homework, and projects.

5 biggest challenges of online learning

Despite the benefits of online learning, there are several reasons students (and parents) are not a big fan of this learning model:

1. Lack of motivation

Attending lectures on time, submitting assignments and completing notes demands full motivation and discipline. Students who are just starting with online learning may start with energy, but as time goes on, this energy and zeal starts to wane.

This is largely due to the lack of the physical presence of teachers and classmates. This absence takes away the feeling of competition, and of being part of a team. It also greatly reduces the excitement and fun during and after lectures.

When a student lacks motivation to learn, there is a great possibility that their grades will decline.

2. High cost of infrastructure

Although learning online does not require school buildings, classrooms, blackboards, tables and chairs, it does require infrastructure like phones, laptops, adequate software, constant electricity and fast internet connection.

Though online learning can reduce the costs of commuting to school every day, the infrastructure students need to learn online is not cheap.

If a student cannot afford all the materials needed to succeed with online learning, there is a great chance that the student will fall behind in their education.

3. Digital literacy and technical issues

The evolution of technology in the last couple of decades has changed the world. Most people, especially millennials and Gen Zs, can use computers and smartphones efficiently. But this doesn't mean they don't run into problems sometimes.

To learn online, students are required to have working knowledge of different software. Some of these tools have steep learning curves, and students may find themselves stumped at some point.

Another common problem is unstable internet connection. Low bandwidth and poor reception can interrupt a student's learning flow by preventing them from participating in class and turning in assignments, among other things.

4. Lack of physical interaction

The main advantage of physical learning is that students are able to interact with their teachers and classmates, and vice versa. A physical setting also enables teachers to monitor students' academic performance, identify weaknesses, and fix things with extra lessons.

In online learning, students and teachers are able to communicate through a laptop or phone, but the screen becomes a barrier and they may not feel the same connection they feel in a physical setting.

This can cause students to feel isolated and disconnected from the rest of the class.

5. Distraction and lack of discipline

Online learning requires technology to work, which is riddled with distractions—push notifications, alarms, social media, and more. Apart from tech-based distractions, students can also be distracted by television, family members, pets running in the house, or siblings listening to loud music.

These distractions can cause a student to attend classes late or even forget to attend at all. They might also fail to participate in group discussions or turn in homework because of this.

Solutions to the problem of online learning

• Resolve technical issues like low bandwidth and poor reception by getting a high-speed internet service provider. If you can't get one at home, find a spot with free WiFi, like a coffee shop or public library.
• When you run into technical issues, don't attempt to solve it yourself if you are not very sure of what to do. Instead, get software technicians to help you.
• Be active during classes. Communicate with your teachers and classmates to ensure easy flow of information. Also, check updates of lectures, discussions and projects.
• Set up a study plan and stick to it. When you're exhausted, take breaks and resume learning later.
• To prevent distractions, you should let your friends, family and other relatives know when you're having online classes. This way, they'll know not to disturb you during learning hours.
• Study in a quiet place free from other people, phones, or devices that can distract you.
• Get in touch with your teachers via email or phone after lectures to rectify any points you were confused about during classes. This will help your teacher identify your weak points and help you improve.
• Join blogs or group chat to communicate better with other students and exchange knowledge. This way, you can also make new friends who can hype you up (and vice versa).

Solve the problems of online learning

Online learning has its upsides and downsides. While it can be hard to attend lectures, go to work, and socialize with friends and family all at the same time, remember that there are steps you can take to make online learning easier for you.

Asking for help from friends and family, talking to your teachers and advisors, and asking your school for help can go a long way in helping you cope with online learning.

If you ask for help and follow the solutions outlined above, you'll be able to overcome the challenges of online learning and achieve your goals.