Conquering the 5 Biggest Challenges Facing Online Students
July 22, 2021 9:13am
Earning an education online is becoming increasingly popular. The flexibility and wide range of degree options available virtually these days is making it a very attractive option, especially to adult students looking to finish their degrees and advance their careers. But even as they enjoy all the benefits of earning a degree online, learners face obstacles they might not in a traditional college setting. Here are a few of those challenges and how to overcome them.
Staying Focused
Earning your degree in the comfort of your own home can have its perks and its drawbacks. Yes, you are spared a long commute, fight for a parking space, walk across campus, and a specific time to be in a classroom. However, you are also faced with a number of distractions in your own home that can hamper your efforts to be productive. To maintain focus while working on your homework, establish a study space for yourself. If you have an office or spare bedroom removed from the hustle and bustle of your home, make that the place where you study. Leave your phone in another room and leave the TV off so you can limit those distractions. It might be helpful to establish an amount of time you are going to study so you know that after that hour or two you can go check in on your family or respond to personal emails and text messages. Doing these simple things can give you the surroundings you need in order to stay on task.
Being Organized
Establishing and maintaining organization is crucial as an online learner since it is entirely up to you to log in, check emails, and look for updates and announcements from your instructors. The best way to do this is by simply planning ahead – in every way you can. In your personal life, you can plan out your week by planning your meals ahead. You’ll thank yourself when you aren’t stressing out every night over what to make for dinner while you are also fitting in time to complete assignments. Academically and professionally, add events and due dates of projects coming up to a calendar so you can keep track of what your next few weeks or months will look like. If you know you have a big project coming up at work be sure to make note of it, so you know how much time you have for studying or if you need to work ahead in classes to avoid scheduling conflicts and stress.
Sustaining Motivation
Staying motivated can be hard to do as a non-traditional online college student. With so many other things going on – work, kids, games, family commitments – it can be easy to put off assignments or even entire classes when things get stressful. And when there isn’t a set time for class or there is the possibility of flexible due dates, it can be easy to wait until the last minute. When classes start and you get your syllabus, incorporate your assignment due dates with the rest of your personal obligations and activities into a calendar. Not only will this help with organization, but it can also be motivational to remind yourself that if you can get your assignments done by Wednesday then the rest of the week is smooth sailing. You’ll be able to enjoy your free time that much more knowing your coursework has been completed and turned in.
Establishing Connections
Feeling connected to your classmates and instructor can be a little more challenging when you choose to earn your degree online. And this can be particularly hard for adult students who grew up accustomed to face-to-face interactions in the learning environment. But maintaining relationships virtually is not impossible, and more recently it’s become easier than ever! To combat any feeling of disconnect, take advantage of any online discussion forums offered or required in your classes. Participating in conversations with your classmates and instructors via Zoom when the opportunity arises will allow you to develop relationships more easily. And be sure to connect with your school or class groups on social media. Not only is social media a great way to socialize with your peers, but it’s also a fantastic place to network for future career prospects!
Overcoming Technical Issues
While technology is opening so many possibilities in higher education, it can certainly cause the occasional headache. When you enroll in classes, you should inquire as to what kind of technical support is offered to online students – especially after-hours support since you will likely be working on coursework during non-business hours. Doing this will ensure you know where to go if you have an issue when it happens. Take advantage of that technical support when you can. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan if something does go wrong like your internet for example. If you don’t have a hotspot on hand, make sure you can access a nearby library or coffee shop with Wi-Fi so you can reconnect. Keep your instructor in the loop if you are experiencing technical obstacles. They are not at all uncommon and happen to everyone. Making sure your teacher is kept informed of your problem, and progress in solving it is key.