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Challenges that Online High School Learners Face
Online learning has numerous advantages for students. It makes learning more accessible to learners, eases social pressure, and assists learners who do not perform well in brick-and-mortar classrooms. You will find that there are several articles that explain the advantages of virtual learning to adults and young learners. However, there are several challenges that require to be addressed in specific areas.
Virtual learning is developing, and there are many improvements that are added to online learning systems. There is huge potential that there is an opportunity for improvement. Here are some of the challenges that online high school learners face.
Social Interaction
In online learning, learners have little or no face-to-face interaction with their colleagues. Online learners might feel lonely or isolated outside public and private school settings, but there are many ways through which they interact with others.
High School of America encourages online learners to interact by taking part in webinar-style discussions or feedback. The other way learners can overcome the challenge of isolation is by joining sports clubs or other organizations that offer social interaction.
Time Management
The other challenge that online learners face is time management. This is possibly the most difficult hurdle since it depends completely on self-motivation. Learners require to be more serious about their academics, learn to study when they intend to do other things, and learn how to set their day-to-day schedule and manage time.
Learners who lack motivation and self-control find it challenging to maintain a self-imposed pace. In such instances, it is important for the learners’ parents and guardians to monitor their progress, particularly at the start. In case students learn how to set their schedules, then it becomes more likely that they will succeed in their classrooms.
Adaptability Struggle
Changing from brick-and-mortar schools and face-to-face- learning to computer-based learning in an online class makes the educations experience completely different for learners. The resistance of students to change does not permit them to adapt to a virtual learning environment, while it takes time for them to get familiar with learning management systems and techniques of computer-based learning.
Even though note-taking and passive listening are common in face-to-face classrooms, web page creation and online discussions require springing into action. Learners who have a traditional mindset face the challenge of adapting. Nevertheless, they have to accept new studying situations with an open heart and mind. Understanding the advantages of online learning and even discussing them with other online students can change this negative attitude and prepare learners for online classes.
Technical Issues
Most learners do not have access to strong internet connections and the high bandwidth that online programs need. As a result, high school students fail to catch up with their online coursemates. Weak monitors also make it difficult for students to use learning management systems which makes their learning experience to be problematic. Additionally, many students live out of school, making it challenging for them to access computers and technical assistance. This challenge can be solved by understanding the kind of technical assistance they require for specific programs prior to enrolling in them.
Computer Literacy
Even though learners are typically tech-savvy and they can manage computers and laptops. Lack of computer literacy is a significant challenge among learners currently. Most of them can’t operate basic programs like PowerPoint and Microsoft Word and hence are unable to manage their files. Additionally, most learners find it challenging to fix basic computer issues since they do not have knowledge in this area. Nevertheless, proficiency in technology is necessary for students to follow online courses. It enables learners to manage their coursework and assignments in an organized way. Taking computer literacy courses will improve the knowledge of learners in the field. Also, basic knowledge of computer hardware will enable learners to take their virtual classes without hindrances and disruptions.
Self-Motivation
Self-motivation is a crucial online learning requirement; nevertheless, most online students do not have it. After registering in an online learning program, most students lie behind and nurture the idea of giving up as difficulties in dealing with a technological medium seem impossible. Learners require motivation to learn online and to also equip themselves for future challenges in their careers and education. A positive attitude will assist them in overcoming online learning challenges. Even though this is a hard practice, learners require to know that self-motivation is required to reap the benefits of online learning in the future.
Distraction
Studying from is an exciting experience. Students can expect things to be like in a traditional school. However, things are different at home. For instance, students may want teachers, friends, canters, playgrounds, parks, and classrooms. With virtual learning, students will have to organize everything in one room with their younger siblings and parents around. Online high school students can be disrupted while studying from home.
Learning Styles
Many learners are used to traditional classrooms. Online learning enables them to adapt to various learning styles. Some learners can adapt to these learning styles faster, while others require a lot of time. Here, learners face difficulties in concentration, incapability to understand online courses, and difficulties in creating assignments and projects using technology.
Communication
Learners do not have effective communication skills when learning online. Educators offer them tasks for improving writing and reading skills, but most of the students end up not writing well to convince them that they have understood the concept. Also, some learners are shy of communicating with their friends and teacher because of the new learning model. This can be because of lack of interest, not being able to express themselves through text messages, emails, or live chats, or poor technological skills with video calls and apps.
Online Engagement
Virtual high schools enable educators to provide assignments, course materials, communication through messages, live chats, or email, as well as delivering content by lectures, recorded videos, presentations, and live sessions for the learners. Even with these activities, many learners don’t find online learning engaging like traditional classrooms. Learners find it difficult to communicate when they struggle to understand some concepts.
How To Overcome Online Learning Challenges
Most online students struggle with the same issues. They spend too much time alone in their rooms and need to learn how to make friends online and create a better experience for themselves as an online student. Here are some ways of overcoming online learning challenges:
1. Join an online community
You are recommended to join an online community of other people like you who are working towards similar things as you so that you can meet them through Skype or Google Hangouts or any other video chat option and get to know each other.
2. Take breaks when your brain gets tired
Plan when you will take breaks from your work schedule so that during those times you can do something else that requires little effort such as browsing social media sites, sending emails, etc. Make sure your brain gets a rest so that it can reboot and get ready to work again.
3. Avoid isolation
Many people when they are in a certain mood, tend to isolate themselves from others. They become walled off as if they have built a glass wall around them and it is almost impossible for anyone or anything to get inside. This can be dangerous because you may spend days not communicating with the outside world which makes it harder for you to come back into society at some later date.
4. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the idea that you should be aware of what is going on inside and around you so that your life is more enriched by the fact you were able to notice it happening rather than being ignorant of some things going on in your environment. Think about how much better your life would be if you could appreciate everything that was happening to you rather than just leaving some things by the wayside because they were not as important as what you think should be happening.
5. Choose one thing and stick with it
Online learning is a great way to learn new subjects but many people take up too many different courses on different topics so that their brain does not know where to focus its attention. By choosing one course or topic at a time, you can really enjoy learning about it without having your mind distracted by other things which will hinder your progress in each different area of study.
Online learning is a great way to learn new subjects. It helps you to really enjoy what you are studying when you know that it can be taught in an online environment and gives you the freedom to take in as much knowledge as possible while not restricting your schedule or geographical location.
You were born with so much potential inside of yourself that if used correctly will allow you to achieve anything, including becoming an outstanding student at school or university. You just need to find the right information on how best to use your mind and body when facing challenges so that you can reach higher levels than anyone imagined would ever be possible for someone like you.