Students-How to deal with common problems faced in e-Learning

Students-How to deal with common problems faced in e-Learning

Professor Dr. Shaikh Aftab Anwar

Online learning or eLearning holds the future of education given how everything is smoothly translating from offline modes to the online modes. Both developed as well as developing nations are promoting eLearning to make learning much more efficient and quicker for students.

We now dwell in the digital era wherein everything is going digital and so is education. For any nation or any society, the education infrastructure is of immense importance as the younger generations will become the driving forces of the economy in the future.

There are a lot of benefits offered by online learning as compared to the traditional methods of learning. Let us have a look at them:-

1. Quick and Innovative: Unlike classroom education, online learning proves to be very innovative in the manner in which it caters to all verticals of learning. Students quickly grasp the offerings of learning without having to go to an institute for classroom teaching. This certainly turns out to be time-saving as well as saves commuting time. 

2. Customized Learning: eLearning offers the students a system of learning that matches their pace of comprehending. Elearning modules can be customized to suit specific needs and the content can be accessed anytime and anywhere. There is also a lot of consistency in eLearning.

3. Better Retention: When students learn through visual graphics and flow charts offered by eLearning, not only do they grasp it faster but also they can retain the information better.

4. Cost-effective: Most of the time online learning turns out to be lesser expensive than classroom teaching. So, not only is there great flexibility in time but also in terms of monetary considerations. 

Despite all these merits of online learning, there are some major problems faced by students. Like every coin has a flip side to it, eLearning comes with certain shortcomings. There are certain areas where students commonly face problems with eLearning modules.

 Let us see what these common problems are before we look at the ways to work around them for a better eLearning experience. 

The common problems faced by students while learning online include:-

·        Time Management

·        Technical Glitches 

·        Lack of self-motivation 

·        Adaptability Issues 

·        Computer Literacy 

The above problem areas are the most common problems related to the culture of learning online. In the following ways, these can be worked upon and solved so that your eLearning experience is without hindrance and renders maximum output. 

How to manage time well?

Online learning modules at times require a lot of investment in terms of time and working professionals might not be able to keep pace with it. Hence, it is important to have a proper schedule in place just like you will have it for classroom teaching. Reminders for courses and assignments will be very handy.

How to work around technical lags?

The only demerit of technology is perhaps its vulnerability to a breakdown. Not everyone has access to the best of gadgets and high bandwidth internet connection which may prove to be an obstruction in the middle of a course. Hence, you must understand much before enrolling as to what kind of technical infrastructure you will need for a particular course and make a smart choice based on it.

Adjusting the adaptability 

The transition from classroom learning to learning from a screen may not be a cakewalk for everyone. Adaptability will only become better once you realize the benefits and scope of eLearning. one should be open to learning new ways and matching pace with them.

Increasing Computer Literacy 

Computer proficiency has become indispensable in almost every field now and you would be left out of the race if you are not well versed with computers. Before you start eLearning, you must learn about computers and to assist that there is ample information online or you can even seek help from your friends. 

Ascertaining Self-Motivation 

Now, this may be the hardest of all issues. Learning outside the class atmosphere might come with a lot of distractions. The best way to keep yourself motivated is to realize your goal and then acting diligently towards achieving it. There is no greater motivation than your aims, ambitions, and the zeal to be goal-oriented. Sometimes, reading about successful people too might help to keep you motivated for they have beautiful stories of consistency to share.