If you’re curious to know the most common challenges when taking online classes, then this post is for you.
Whether one decides to stay home for convenience, health reasons, or preference, online classes have opened up a realm of possibilities for all types of students. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to online classes. There are a few major challenges that stand in the way between students and successful online learning.
If you are considering taking online classes, it’s important to know which challenges you may face. This article will teach you about the seven most common challenges when taking online classes and how you can successfully overcome them.
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What is the Most Common Challenge for Students in Online Classes?
Perhaps the most common challenge for students in online classes is staying motivated. There is no classroom to attend, no other students to help you stay focused, and no instructor reminding you to get your classwork done or study regularly. Without the “typical” classroom environment, plenty of students find it challenging to stay motivated.
The best solution for this issue is to create a strict schedule and a support team. Recruit the help of friends and family members. You can even get in touch with faculty members to help you stay on track.
Creating a to-do list and a goals list are also beneficial ways to stay on track. Checking off the items on your list and reaching your goals (small and big) can help you stay focused and be successful in your online courses.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Online Education?
Switching to online classes can be a hurdle in many ways, and it comes with various pros and cons. Here is a closer look at the pros and cons of online education.
As you can see, the pros and cons of online courses are about equal. It comes down to one’s personal needs and goals. Online courses can be an excellent choice for certain situations, but they aren’t the best choice for every student.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenience. With online courses, you can attend from home – even in your bed. Everything you need is available 24/7, including classroom notes and videos, quizzes, lectures, and more. | More work. Online courses require a bit more work because everyone engages in the online course. There is also far more reading and listening compared to in-person classes. |
| Flexibility. Online courses allow you to be flexible with your schedule. You can study whenever and wherever you’d like. As long as the work gets completed, you can be as flexible as you’d like with your schedule. | Easy to procrastinate. With an online course, it’s all up to you. For some people, self-motivation is a real hurdle. If they can’t overcome this challenge, they may ultimately fail. |
| Learn from home. Learning from home is convenient for many students. As an added perk, parents can keep an eye on their kids, and adults can engage their friends and family members to learn the information, too. | Requires time management. Another skill you must have to succeed is time management. Since you’re required to do work on your own time rather than in a classroom, it may be harder for some students. |
| Better access to the instructor. Plenty of students fear asking questions during class out of fear of looking “stupid.” With direct access to the instructor via email, all questions are direct, private, and answered swiftly. | May be lonely. Some individuals are social butterflies that will not enjoy being “isolated” from other students. Some people simply enjoy being surrounded by others, even in a classroom. |
| Meet new people. It’s easier for many people to chat online compared to in-person these days, which is why online courses may be the perfect platform for meeting new people. | No overbearing instructor. Online instructors tend to leave it in your hands rather than hounding you about deadlines and getting your work done. While this is a plus for some, it’s a con for others. |
| Improved computer skills. It can take a little time to learn how to use the computer for an online course. In the end, these new tech skills can be included in your resume for more job opportunities in the future. | Too much free time. Free time is not always good, especially when you have too much of it. If you can’t be strict with yourself and get the work done, online courses might not be right for you. |
| Fewer costs. While it’s still going to cost a pretty penny to take an online course, think about the other expenses you’re saving, such as gas, childcare, eating out, and missing work to attend school. | Stigma. Unfortunately, online courses carry a stigma that someone might be “lazy.” Hopefully, shortly, this stigma is removed, and people can enjoy online courses. |
| Self-discipline. Without attending a course, the motivation is left in your hands. There is no room for procrastination, and this is a skill that you will benefit from for the rest of your life. | Fewer options. Not every class can (or should) be done online. With limitations, it’s not always the right choice for your diploma goals. |
The 7 Most Common Challenges When Taking Online Classes
There are many positives to choosing online courses, as listed above. However, there are a multitude of challenges that students should be aware of before diving into an online course. Below are seven of the most common challenges when taking online classes (and how to remedy them to be successful).
Technical Issues
Technical IssuesPerhaps the biggest flaw to online learning is that technological issues are always in the foreground. Even the best, most expensive computers can be prone to sudden updates that shut the computer down during a videoconference lecture.
Not only that but there is also the issue of internet connections being lost. Sometimes, it’s an issue that affects an entire region for several hours out of the day. During these times, there isn’t much a student can do except wait it out.
The Solution: The only solution is to communicate with your instructor. Online course instructors are very aware of the possibilities of computers and internet crashing. As long as you are communicating and honest with them, it should not be an issue. If it is a recurring issue, you might consider investing in new equipment or changing internet providers.
Distractions
Another big issue with online courses is the potential of distractions – during the class and after. For example, small children may become a distraction during a lecture if they want to play or need a snack. After the lecture, you may be distracted by going out with friends rather than finishing an assignment.
The Solution: Time management and being responsible are key. Know when to say “no.” Get your work done first, then enjoy the freedom of utilizing online courses. Creating a schedule and sticking to it is always a great idea.
If the issue is inside the home, there are a few things you can do. Set up a quiet space to follow along with the online class and get your work done. Tell your loved ones that you need to be left alone during a specific time to get your classwork and coursework completed. You might enroll a friend or family member to play with kids or pets and get light housework done if necessary.
Not Understanding Course Requirements
Online courses are very different from in-person courses. Therefore, it can be somewhat challenging to know the requirements and expectations of the chosen course. Is there a group project? Will you need to attend online lectures? The sudden swap can be overwhelming and leave many questions unanswered.
The Solution: As always, communication is key. If you’re unsure about certain aspects of the course requirements, don’t hesitate to email the instructor. Re-read the syllabus, too, as most requirements are thoroughly described there.
Lack of Human Interaction
Some people crave human interaction. They enjoy being around people because they are social butterflies. Sometimes, they may like having the opportunity to engage in study groups, too. Online courses do not offer the same human interactions as in-person courses, making it challenging for a certain group of students.
The Solution: There are plenty of ways to stay connected. Most online courses have boards where the students can chat. From there, you can create study groups that meet in-person or online via Skype, Zoom, or another popular platform.
Not Understanding the Technology
Not everyone is tech-savvy. Since online courses require a bit of computer and technological knowledge, this can pose a major challenge to some individuals.
The Solution: Work with the equipment and ask for help when you need it. While it may take a little bit of trial and error, learning the new software will benefit your course and future endeavors requiring technology.
Time Management
Another common hurdle is time management, especially if you’re taking more than one online course. Trying to keep up with all of the different requirements for each class can be somewhat difficult. This is especially true when piled on top of other areas of life, including work, social life, family, and more.
The Solution: Keeping a schedule is key. Write down everything that needs to get done and cross it off your schedule when it gets completed. Writing down your schedule will ensure nothing gets lost in the hecticness of your day.
Lack of Teaching Methods
When it comes to certain classes, such as science, there is a disconnect when teaching online. You can’t bring the lab to or lab partner to the student when they’re doing an online course, which means they won’t get the same benefit of performing the experiments in person.
The Solution: Online courses need to be more adaptable, and that’s why they are continuing to expand their teaching methods. While students may not be able to do the same things as in-person students, there are many new ways of learning. The best thing to do is to be as adaptable as possible to get the most out of your online learning experience.
Final Words
Online learning comes with plenty of potential benefits, but there are some major hurdles, too. As long as you are a student who can manage your time successfully and stay motivated, regardless of the lack of instruction and other students, you can be successful. Having a strict schedule and to-do/goal list is recommended when opting for online courses.
