OVERCOMING PROBLEMS FACED IN ONLINE EDUCATION

OVERCOMING PROBLEMS FACED IN ONLINE EDUCATION

The debate has been going-on about the efficacy of online education over classroom education. With lock-down and COVID–19, we now have the unique opportunity to experience online teaching. The world of education has been evolving since time immemorial. COVID–19 has given teachers and students an opportunity to explore online teaching/learning. It is not an easy task, using technology in day-to-day business of keeping in touch with students and teachers, sending reminders, sharing pictures, notes and videos, setting and giving assignments and tests have to be dealt for online classes. Every step poses challenges and we  definitely intend to overcome them.

 

Overcoming Challenges Faced by Students

1. Adaptability -: Nowadays adaptive learning is using Artificial intelligence to adjust the content according to individual needs. It helps in providing personalized courses to identify their weaknesses and strengths for better learning outcomes. 
2. Technical Issues -: You just need to find a high-speed internet connection at your home. And know where you can get technical support for your connection and other technical issues related to software and tools for effective learning.
3. Computer Knowledge -: Students should be provided access to support devices that can help them solve technical problems via call, email or live chat. You should pay attention to your instructor during the process of solving the issues.
4. Time Management -: Time management is the most important factor in online learning. It needs time and effort for better learning outcomes. You should know the factors that can affect your timings during the learning process such as Avoid Distractions, Create To-Do List, Seek Help, avoid multitasking.
5. Self Motivation -:
   
• Involve Yourself – You should show up for all the activities and learning during the sessions. Make sure that you log in every day, check for the status and appear in all the sessions and discussions. Connect with your friends and teachers for asking and sharing information. 
• Schedule Time for Learning – You have to stick to a study plan for effective learning. Take a break and resume back to learning with the same interest and enthusiasm. 
• Stay Positive – Make sure that you are positive towards online learning. Make use of the time in the best way and gain knowledge for better learning outcomes. 
6. Distraction -: You should inform your parents and friends about the time of online learning so that there will be no distractions from their side. Restrict the study area for others to come during  live sessions and video calls. Make sure you relax in the breaks set in the time table. In this way, you will concentrate on learning and spend quality time with your friends and family.  
7. Learning Styles -: To get better learning outcomes, it is important to understand the learning styles. You can learn through interaction, visual presentations, audio classes or written notes. Follow your own learning style that helps in enhancing your learning experience.  
8. Communication -: You should become aware of the importance of communication for better learning. Online learning enhances your learning experience. It provides a platform for communication and interaction with others. In this way, you are able to learn from them and improve their knowledge and skills. If you have any issues in communication, then seek help from teachers and friends. Ask them tools that can help you improve your communication skills. You read, write and interact for better communication. 
9. Virtual Engagement -: You can communicate with your teachers in private to clear doubts either through virtual learning platforms or calls. Your teachers might be able to help you out more clearly. And they can help you with some of the easy reading materials that are simple to understand. You can also take extra time with your teachers and friends after the online classes for a better understanding of the subject.  
10. Feedback -: You can approach your teachers for feedback related to your performance. Teachers can give your personalized guidance for improvement and identify your weaknesses and strengths. You can improve your learning pattern based on the feedback. Unless you receive feedback from teachers, there are chances of less improvement in your learning.

 Overcoming Challenges Faced by Teachers

1. Engaging students -: You need to understand that online learning has a lot of advantages with respect to tools and interesting platforms to engage students in learning. Try to include those tools and multiple types of learning approaches such as podcasts, videos (teaching channel, own videos, live classes), discussions, various forms of text through articles and blogs, different assessment methods (tests, quizzes, assignments and projects) learning activities and collaboration for better learning outcomes.
2. Time Commitment -: Use a friendly tone for communicating with your students to establish rapport. You can set reminders for assignments and projects in your learning management system. Send it to your students one week prior to the submission deadline.
3. Communication -: Give flexibility for the students when they ask for not making up to their deadlines. You must recognize the need of keeping in contact with the students and understand what kind of activities can accomplish your goal. Conduct discussions for specific content for the students with the opportunity to solve the problem and learning effectively. Also providing discussion on practical questions by the students that can reduce frustration, problem-solving skills and handling technical issues. You should provide a platform for the students in order to communicate and collaborate with other fellow classmates.
4. Assessment -: You must understand the type of questions students might ask and prepare FAQs for the common questions. Make sure that you give proper assignments and conduct tests at regular intervals. This can help you to assess them based on their performance. 
5. Feedback -: You should understand how important it is to give feedback for the students for their growth and improvement. Make sure that you provide personalized guidance to all the students so that they can work on their learning abilities. 
6. Learning Management Systems -: You should have an understanding of the strong learning management system and web technologies that can help your pedagogy. Think and take advantage of the training and workshops attended during teacher training. Apply the methods for effective teaching and management systems. You can also approach other teachers who know about the management system in online learning.
7. Teaching Methods -: Most important thing is to get comfortable in a virtual classroom. Find out different kinds of tools that make teaching and assessment simple and easy. You can develop many teaching methods that can improve their learning such as conducting different activities, model making, debates, group activities, virtual tours, group discussions, role play etc
8. Fear of Cheating -: There are many reliable ways to enhance the integrity of online learning. You should allow students to take exams according to their convenience. Do not force for assignments or any tests unless they are ready.
9. Technical Issues -: You should contact technical support for solving problems that can cause hindrance in the learning process. Make sure you upgrade your computer with apps and software that can help in an effective learning process with a high-speed internet connection.
10. Course Content -: You must understand the course content and how to fit it into your online course. Make sure you modify some changes in terms of activities and assignments for a better understanding of the concepts.

We sincerely hope and wish that we can overcome this hurdle too and get along in this virtual journey. Online learning has been an amazing advancement. Not all of the above observations may relate to you, or there might be other problems that you might have faced with online learning that is not listed. The point is, even though it isn’t perfect, it is an amazing addition to our learning and towards our transformation for tomorrow.

 

BLOG BY -: MEGHA BHATNAGAR & DEVANSHI PATEL

DEPARTMENT -: AIB

UNIVERSITY -: AMITY UNIVERSITY RAJASTHAN