In: Computer Science
Challenge of Online Learning
INTRODUCTION :
Online learning is the newest and most popular form of distance education today.
Within the past decade it has had a major impact on postsecondary education and the trend is only increasing.
Now online learning become a big market which valued at INR 39 billion in 2018 and it will be Expected to reached at INR 360.3 billion in 2024.
Online learning is a way to deliver learning remotely to those who choose not to attend from a physical location.
At formal institutions like colleges and universities, online learning is delivered via a Learning Management System (LMS) that allows instructors to create and add content, assignments, and activities that students can access with an Internet connection on a computer or mobile device.
This is not the only form of online learning, but it is the most utilized method to receive a formal education, and allow instructors and students to create a learning community for their classes.
Now lets talk about Challenges in online learning / Digital learning :
Teaching and learning in an e-learning environment happens differently than in the traditional classroom and can present new challenges to instructors and learners participating in this online learning environment.
Technology-assisted learning tools is quickly changing the face of education, transitioning the classroom only learning environment to an online only or blended online learning experience.
BODY SECTION :
The possible challenges instructors and learners face in an e-learning environment must be considered in order to ensure learner success. Therefore, there are two roles in e-learning that must be considered when discussing ways to improve these challenges.
The first is the instructor’s role and the second, the student’s role. Both roles include a transition away from traditional teacher-student relationships, roles, and responsibilities, to virtual space roles.
However, it is the instructor’s primary roles within the learning environment, which will help overcome challenges, support, and sustain student success.
Here are some of the most common challenges students are currently facing with online classes along with specific tips on how to address them:
Technical Issues
Unfortunately, technical issues are bound to happen in an online-only environment. it happens sometimes that while attending classes live through videoconferencing, computer suddenly shut down and needed to restart the device. There are also moments when Wi-Fi is spotty.
The solution: The most important step is to stay in touch with professors and inform them about what's happening, experts say. They will hopefully understand and be flexible about the situation, perhaps even recording class sessions as a backup.
"There will be technology issues, and I think it's important that every student understands they're not alone in that, to allow themselves the patience to work through the problem.
Distractions and Time Management
While studying from home or wherever students may be, there can be more distractions than usual, especially with family and possibly younger siblings around, Also we Distract towards social media, Entertainment media, online Games etc.
As a result of these distractions – and possibly having additional responsibilities – time management becomes more challenging.
The solution: "Try to think about building a schedule – figuring out when you're going to do what you're going to do and then sharing that with the other people in your house. Students should still prioritize their physical and mental health, even if life is busier than usual.
Students should also try to identify a quiet time and place in their house to complete their coursework, if possible – even if that time is late at night. If their other responsibilities become too overwhelming, students should consider talking with their academic adviser about course load options for the class / semester /syllabus.
For instance, some schools are allowing students to switch at least some classes to a pass-fail grading system for the spring, which could help ease some anxieties.
Staying Motivated
students may not be attending class at a set time on a physical campus, finding the motivation to get started on coursework can be difficult.
"When student don't see home as a space of work, it's kind of a struggle to get in that mindset. "But student have different places in house, where room will be little oasis, but downstairs kitchen table is where student will sit down and get their work done."
The solution: In addition to creating a daily schedule and finding a productive workspace, it can also help to simply focus on the ultimate goal.
"At the end of the day, look back on the day and check mark off all of those items that completed. Knowing that will help to motivate you as well.
staying in touch with classmates, in addition to reaching out to faculty or academic staff as needed, can also help motivate students.
Understanding Course Expectations
The sudden switch to online learning has left some students confused about some course requirements for the rest of the semester / Syllabus. They may wonder, for instance, if a final group presentation is still happening given that students can no longer meet on campus, or if they need to complete labs for science classes.
Students may also wonder whether their classes will have live lectures through videoconferencing at a set time on a certain day, or whether students are expected to learn the material on their own time.
The solution: students should be proactive in asking their professors questions about course expectations for the spring and whether there are any changes to requirements given the transition. Whether classes will be held live varies depending on the school, professor and discipline.
"Knowing the expectations as an online learner will help with time management because, again, you can plan out and schedule what's really needed week after week.
Lack of In-Person Interaction
The lack of in-person interaction with both instructors and classmates can be particularly challenging.
Being alone appears to be correlated with rates of self-talk and using the TV for company. Results confirmed our contention that when alone, individuals seek out replacements for social interaction that mimic genuine social interaction. so, Lack of in person interaction lead to many failure like incomplete syllabus,not interested in study,etc.
The solution: students should take advantage of the tools at their disposal. While not ideal for all learners, the best alternative to actual face-to-face interaction may be videoconferencing programs like Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. Talking on the phone with classmates or a professor is also an option.
student attended virtual office hours to speak with professors directly. "student have their video on, the professor has their video on, and student can kind of talk to them and get a little bit of additional help.
Adapting to Unfamiliar Technology
Transition to online classes, students are now adapting to some digital tools.
"I think all of us have had to learn to use technology in the last couple months that some of us have never heard of, some of us may have used just a little bit .who typically teaches classes on campus.
The solution: Use the resources available through the school. While this can include reaching out to technical support, students should determine whether they can save themselves time by looking up answers to their technology questions online or watching a video tutorial.
Uncertainty About the Future
The sudden switch to online classes for the semester and in some cases – It caused anxiety and raised questions among students about their academic futures. Some are considering taking the fall semester off if their school continues to stick with online classes, for instance, while others are concerned about upholding a full course load while juggling family responsibilities at home.
The solution: I recommends students speak with an adviser or student support services as needed to determine whether adjustments course schedule or a future semester if needed. For example, a student may want to take fewer course credits in a future semester if his or her school continues offering only online classes and the student finds this format challenging.
Regardless of the challenges that come with the transition to online classes, students should remember that assistance is available.
"It can be a difficult transition. "But it doesn't have to be because there are many people who are willing and able to help with it."
CONCLUSION :
The timing has never been better for using technology to enable and improve learning at all levels, in all places, and for people of all backgrounds.
From the modernization of E-rate to the proliferation and adoption of openly licensed educational resources, the key pieces necessary to realize best the transformations made possible by technology in education are in place.
Educators, policymakers, administrators, and teacher preparation and professional development programs now should embed these tools and resources into their practices.
Working in collaboration with families, researchers, cultural institutions, and all other stakeholders, these groups can eliminate inefficiencies, reach beyond the walls of traditional classrooms, and form strong partnerships to support everywhere, all-the-time learning.
Although the presence of technology does not ensure equity and accessibility in learning, it has the power to lower barriers to both in ways previously impossible.
No matter their perceived abilities or geographic locations, all learners can access resources, experiences, planning tools, and information that can set them on a path to acquiring expertise unimaginable a generation ago.
All of this can work to augment the knowledge, skills, and competencies of educators. Tools and data systems can be integrated seamlessly to provide information on student learning progress beyond the static and dated scores of traditional assessments.
Learning dashboards and collaboration and communication tools can help connect teachers and families with instantaneous ease.
This all is made more likely with the guidance of strong vision and leadership at all levels from teacher-leaders to school, district, and state administrators.
For these roles, too, technology allows greater communication, resource sharing, and improved practice so that the vision is owned by all and dedicated to helping every individual in the system improve learning for students.
It is a time of great possibility and progress for the use of technology to support learning and build carrier in teaching and earn lots of Assets.
REFERENCES :
BOOKS : 1. DESIGN FOR HOW PEOPLE LEARN---BY JULIE DIRKSEN
2. DESIGN FOR INFORMATION ---BY ISABEL MEIRELLES
3. MASTERING MOBILE LEARNING ---- BY CHAD UDELL AND GARY WOODILL
JOURNAL : 1. Randall E.Osborne----Professor of Department of Psychology, Texas State University
2.Paul Kriese-----Professor of Political Science, Department of Arts and Culture , Indiana University
3. John M. Davis-----Professor , Department of Psychology, Texas State of University
WEBSITES :
1. www.3Plearning.com
2. www.Tophat.com
3.www.elearningindustry.com