The Challenges of Online Learning in College and How To Overcome Them
As technology continues evolving, the way we approach education will evolve with it. Online learning has become very common in colleges and universities around the world. However, it’s not all roses. There are challenges to learning online, and college students need to be aware.
That’s why today, we will discuss the challenges of online learning in college and provide a few tips on how to overcome them.
The Challenges of Online Learning and Tips to Overcome Them
1. You Miss Interacting with People in Person
This has to be the biggest hurdle of online learning. Since you don’t even have to get out of your room to engage in online learning, you don’t get to have all the wonderful face-to-face interactions you usually have in a traditional classroom.
Group discussions, spontaneous conversations, and other things are lost in the virtual classroom. This can make a lot of people feel disconnected from their peers, making it harder to build relationships and even engage with the course material.
Tip: Foster connections in the virtual classroom. Whenever there’s a discussion, participate. Also, ask questions and reach out to peers and professors (within office hours) through email. Don’t hesitate to join or start online study groups, participate in online forums, and collaborate with peers. This will help you build relationships within your little online community and stay motivated.
2. You Struggle with Time Management
Truth be told, online learning requires more discipline and time management skills. Since you don’t have a strict schedule and there are no physical classrooms to go to, staying organized and on top of things can be difficult.
There are a lot of distractions around us, and procrastination is more tempting as well. Not to mention it can be difficult to balance your coursework with other responsibilities like your job or your family. Things can get messy without any structures in place.
Tip: Create a routine and stick to it. Make sure you have an organized schedule and set specific times for classes, studying, assignments, and more. Add all the deadlines to your calendar and give yourself goals to stay accountable for your progress. Also, reduce distractions as much as possible when you’re engaged in any online learning activity.
3. There’s Potential for Burnout and Increased Screen Time
One of the main challenges of online learning is that it requires you to spend a lot of time in front of screens. This can lead to headaches, eye strain, and overall physical and mental tiredness.
Additionally, because you’re studying from home, the lines between your college life and everything else may start to blur. This could lead to burnout, which causes a lot of stress and will negatively affect your mental health.
Tip: Prioritize self-care, set clear boundaries, and limit screen time as much as possible. Also, taking brakes small break from your screen when you’re doing a study session or taking a class is always good practice. Outside of the online course, make time for physical activities, socializing with friends, and hobbies. Achieving balance is key!
4. You Have Less Access to Resources and Support
When you can physically go to a college campus, you have easier access to resources such as dedicated study spaces, libraries, and academic support services. The same can’t be said of online courses since these resources are not a part of the experience.
Moreover, it’s a bit more difficult to find support when you need it, whether from peers, professors, and staff. The good news is that there are still ways to obtain these very important things.
Tip: Seek the resources and support that you need. The Internet allows you access to digital libraries and vast databases where you can find the information you need. Additionally, there are virtual study groups you can join, or you can even create your own. Plus, you can access tutoring services and other academic support.
5. You Get Easily Distracted at Home
When you’re in a physical classroom, you’re in a very structured environment. It’s all designed to help students focus and avoid distractions so they can learn. With online learning, things are different.
Since you’re at home and the environment is not designed for academic concentration, there are distractions everywhere. There are household chores to do, pets to take care of, and many other things that can demand your attention at any time and drive you away from your studies.
Tip: Set up a space that’s completely free of distractions. Make sure it’s quiet, well-lit, and comfortable to keep you engaged in your coursework. Before you sit down to study, make sure you have enough water and everything else you need. That way, you don’t have to break your concentration in the middle of your studying.
6. There’s a Lack of Hands-on Learning
Another big challenge of online learning in college is that there’s a lack of hands-on learning. If that’s your preferred method or what works most for you, or if you’re in certain fields of study, such as fine arts, engineering, or science, this can feel limiting.
You won’t be able to, say, go to a lab whenever you want, access equipment colleges and universities usually provide, or have practical training throughout your online course. This can impact the quality of your education unless you seek what you need to make up for it.
Tip: Find alternatives for hands-on learning. Remote laboratory experiences, virtual simulations, and interactive software are available to help you make up for the lack of hands-on learning. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to professors to ask for supplementary resources for practical learning opportunities and other alternatives. Consider looking for internships, apprenticeships, or volunteer opportunities in your free time as well.
In Closing
Online learning in college offers a lot of advantages, such as greater flexibility. However, it also poses unique challenges you need to overcome. Luckily, it’s not difficult to do so and adjust to the online learning experience to make the absolute most out of it.
