You can study in different ways: in a large classroom among like-minded people, individually with a teacher, remotely, or independently. These students have one thing in common: they have all used essay writing help at least once. Among the listed ways of acquiring knowledge, distance learning occupies a special place. It has a lot of advantages and is an excellent alternative to the classic lessons, but it also has some peculiarities that can endanger the success of the whole idea. In this article, we will tell you what problems may face those who have chosen this method of learning and how to overcome them.
Difficulties with Adapting to the Online Format
The transition from traditional classroom lessons to an online format makes the learning process completely different. Whereas in a regular classroom, students are expected to listen and take notes passively, virtual discussions, personal study, and materials in various multimedia formats require action. Students with a traditional mindset may have difficulty adapting to these changes.
Recommendations for teachers: let students know in advance what to expect from the online format, explain how much material they will have to master, what the approach to learning is, and how long it will take on average per session.
Advice for students: first of all, you need to accept the new circumstances with an open heart and mind. If you feel resistance, acknowledge it and don’t blame yourself. Remember that any change causes discomfort. And secondly, focus on the benefits of e-learning: no need to spend time and money on transportation to get to the place of study; you can choose your own time for classes; the home environment is less stressful; distance learning provides an opportunity to learn new skills.
Low Computer Literacy
The lack of computer literacy is a serious problem in today’s world that has affected students and teachers alike. Many still do not know how to use a personal computer (PC) and standard office applications like MS Word and PowerPoint. Even among experienced teachers and students, there can be a lack of understanding of remote learning tools, such as online educational platforms, video conferencing systems, and various applications related to communicating and viewing instructional materials.
Nevertheless, technological skills are indispensable for successful remote learning.
Recommendations for teachers: Educational institutions should provide teachers and students with the necessary materials and resources to enhance computer literacy. For example, an appropriate library of video lessons can be created. This should be available at all times, not only in case of emergency.
Recommendations for students: Basic computer literacy courses are always a good idea. Having a fundamental knowledge of how PCs and applications work will make it possible to participate in online classes without stress and loss of time.
Ignorance of the Basics of Time Management
The freedom offered by the format of online learning often slows down vigilance and creates a false sense of limitless time. Remote education places higher demands on discipline and self-organization than its offline counterpart, although there is no understanding of this yet. Failing to manage time properly can lead to serious academic delays and cause a great deal of stress.
Recommendations for all: competent time management is a necessary skill for online learning. Here are a few recommendations to help you manage your time properly:
- Set specific hours for classes. Instead of trying to fit online learning into your life, do the opposite: organize your daily activities around classes. Create a fixed schedule with time slots that are strictly for attending classes and viewing online tutorials.
- Make a to-do list for the day. Try to break down large tasks into smaller ones to improve learning performance. Stick to the list, remembering to take rest breaks.
- Avoid distractions. If you tend to spend a lot of time on social networks, block them for a certain amount of time with special apps.
- Avoid multitasking. It reduces work efficiency and overall productivity. Focus on completing one task at a time, and be sure to start with the most difficult one.
No Social Interaction
While in the classroom, students are able to communicate directly with each other and the teacher: responding instantly, sharing experiences, joking, and making non-verbal contact, strengthening social skills. For many, communicating with like-minded people is an important ritual they lose when they move to remote learning. Without the company of friends, noise in the classroom, and personal contact with the teacher, students studying remotely can feel isolated. This psychological factor negatively affects motivation and performance.
Recommendations for teachers: to help students overcome feelings of isolation, create a blog or group chat for communication and encourage them to ask questions, help each other or discuss topics.
Recommendations for students: take an active role in online interactions with other students, sharing information and opinions. If you realize that you cannot cope with feelings of loneliness and disconnection, and sharing your feelings is difficult for you, try expressing yourself creatively – this is one of the most effective ways to regulate the nervous system in times of stress: draw, sing, dance, release unproductive feelings.
The world is changing. Yes, distance learning is very different from traditional learning, which creates certain problems. But they are surmountable; you just need to stop resisting the new, change your attitude to the online format and acquire additional technical skills. After all, it is obvious that e-learning opens the door to favorable opportunities: to learn to use gadgets not only for fun, to become flexible, to take responsibility for their knowledge in their own hands, to master new standards – the most important of them.
