CEP416

Confessions: My top 3 challenges as an online learner

why online learning has increased

Online learning has been on the rise ever since COVID-19, it offers Flexibility and Accessibility that isn’t always available with in-person learning. Now online learning has its downsides, it is harder to focus and stay on tasks needed for the class however the flexibility of online education has been a huge factor in the coming years (Drexel University). Another reason online learning is on the rise is how cost-effective it can be for most participants. With less worry about commuting or class size, more people can participate for a more affordable price (Drexel University). The last reason to look into why online learning has increased is because online learning allows for global outreach allowing students from everywhere to participate (UMN Online).

challenges associated with online learning

According to the article "How Teachers Experienced the COVID-19 Transition to Remote Instruction" (Kappan, 2020) Teachers had a difficult time transitioning from in-person to online as well as there students, This struggle stemmed from ill preparation time and inconsistent technology usage, because of these issues, this also led to other issues regarding online learning, for example, student participation lacked and teachers also had misguided individualized attention to their students. Another Significant issue highlighted in "What's the Difference Between Emergency Remote Instruction and Regular Online Instruction?" (Kappan, 2020, p.47) mentions that online classes lack structure and urgency. Teachers were left with a lack of digital literacy and therefore left classes feeling inconsistent because of the drastic switch from in-person to Remote learning.

challenges experienced as an online learner

Everyone when discussing online learning often faces similar challenges, The three biggest personal challenges I faced were finding a quiet classroom-like setting to stay focused in class, Education Week (2020) also pointed out that many students also faced this issue with who face learning barriers that don’t adapt to remote learning whether that’s limited technology or quiet space for learning. In my online courses, I often tend to turn off my camera, possibly walk away or even sleep. Because of this, I prioritized work over school because work felt more rewarding than remote learning at the time. Kappan (2020) Many students also face the same struggles of balancing work and school and understanding the shift, this leads to a misunderstanding of work and school responsibilities.

Bad Wifi

Sleepy during Zoom call

Forgot about Class

Reflection

What is it about online learning that led to these challenges for you?

COVID-19 showed me new challenges that as a learner I hadn’t faced before. With digital learning on the rise online learning and remote work are extremely normalized, however, it’s clear that to improve digital learning and remote work I need to acknowledge the difficulties in the past. One speed bump I ran into with remote learning was the Quick change from in-person to online, Kappan (2020) explains that remote learning was unstructured and rapid. Education Week (2020) points out that most students don’t have the proper technology or setup to be successful in remote learning. I also ran into the struggle of Not being able to properly balance work and school life, as discussed in Kappan (2020) the lines between school and work became blurred. Now digital literacy is being studied and taught in schools there’s significant improvement in Kappan (2021) it was discussed that before COVID-19 teachers lacked technical knowledge and had a hard time teaching on these new platforms. I also had a Hard time learning new software and making sure my computer was compatible with what was needed to succeed. While there’s still a lot to learn both Kappan (2020) and Education Week (2020) highlight the importance of preparing our teachers for technology usage and quick changes for a more supportive educational environment. Another challenge I have faced are expectations of my professors, no matter how clear the instructions might be sometimes understanding the expectations they have of you might be confusing, if this happens don’t worry, just communicate your confusion to your professor or teacher! they are there to help as they have helped me in the past!

What strategies did or could you try to address this challenge

There are many challenges Highlighted on this page including, lack of wifi, improper learning conditions, and lack of motivation when it comes to online learning. Certain ways to overcome these challenges are to find a Nice place to study outside the home like a coffee shop or even a public library. Other ways I can address these challenges Is take the lessons outside. While these aren’t perfect solutions they can help combat a lack of motivation and may be able to help with finding a proper learning environment, As well as most coffee shops and public libraries offer free wifi for online learning. Online learning is a growing form of learning and although the pandemic is over online learning is not. It’s grown over time into a useful tool but students and teachers need to stay updated on the growing forms of technology and the new challenges we face every day.

My plan for me and others to address these challenges

With challenges comes growth, and I have been able to learn so much from the pandemic, schools, students, and teachers that are all making improvements to the teaching system, including massive investment in digital literacy and proper education on school resources According to Drexel University (n.d.). In most cases and other schools online learning has become a staple for some classes being completely online Minnesota State University (2020) has adopted this practice of offering remote learning. Another positive of remote learning is the diversity of different learning styles it brings, allowing more students access to different forms of education as The Educational Forum (2020) pointed out in their article, they also shed light on how digital learning tools can help track progress and tailor make instructions for each student. Remote learning has also helped students and teachers acknowledge their mental health allowing more discussions in the classroom about self-care practices and good morning routines. The Journal of Teacher Education (2020). Frontiers in Psychology (2014) also pointed out in their article that undergrads and other students performed high in their test scores and overall views on remote learning have improved as students and teachers get more familiar with technology.

GAME PLAN:

What I can do when I lack motivation for online learning -

Usually, when I lack motivation I feel sleepy, and taking a nap sounds like the best, however feeling tired is just us feeling bored, you and I can overcome this by: Going on walks, eating a healthy meal, studying at a desk or a table (Not the couch, or bed)

When I lack Wifi -

Sometimes my wifi goes out the best way to combat this is to communicate with your teachers or professors that your wifi may be spotty, In the future, I will have my phone handy to use the hotspot in case my wifi ever goes out. Another way I can prevent a wifi outage is by studying at a public place where wifi may be more reliable than my own.

When I miss a Class -

Online learning was difficult for me to stay on schedule, sometimes I missed lessons because I wasn’t physically in person, Now I have a planner with me, and I write down all my class times and assignments. I email my professors all the time so we can become well acquainted. Accidents happen most professors and teachers understand an honest mistake, and having reminders on my phone has helped me stay on track now and for the future.

Work Cited

(My work cited page has repeats - I cited each article after every concept I wrote about to understand better what article I used and where)

Why online learning has increased:

Drexel University. (n.d.). Benefits of online and virtual learning. Drexel University. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://drexel.edu/soe/resources/student-teaching/advice/benefits-of-online-and-virtual-learning/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

University of Minnesota. (n.d.). How online education is shaping the future workforce. University of Minnesota. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://online.umn.edu/story/how-online-education-shaping-future-workforce?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Challenges associated with online learning:

Kappan. (2020). How teachers experienced the COVID-19 transition to remote instruction. Kappan.

Kappan. (2020). What's the difference between emergency remote instruction and regular online instruction? Kappan, 101(8), 47-49.

Challenges experienced as an online learner:

Kappan. (2020). How teachers experienced the COVID-19 transition to remote instruction. Kappan.

Kappan. (2020). What's the difference between emergency remote instruction and regular online instruction? Kappan, 101(8), 47-49.

Education Week. (2020). How effective is online learning? What the research does and doesn’t tell us. Education Week.

Kappan. (2021). Digital platforms aren’t mere tools - they’re complex environments. Kappan.

Reflection:

Education Week. (2020). How effective is online learning? What the research does and doesn’t tell us. Education Week.

Kappan. (2020). How teachers experienced the COVID-19 transition to remote instruction. Kappan.

Kappan. (2020). What's the difference between emergency remote instruction and regular online instruction? Kappan, 101(8), 47-49.

Kappan. (2021). Digital platforms aren’t mere tools - they’re complex environments. Kappan.

The Educational Forum. (2020). Orienting toward teacher education for online environments for all students. The Educational Forum.

Journal of Teacher Education. (2020). Offering pre-service teachers field experiences in K-12 online learning: A national survey of teacher education programs. Journal of Teacher Education.

Frontiers in Psychology. (2014). Face-to-face or face-to-screen? Undergraduates' opinions and test performance in classroom vs. online learning. Frontiers in Psychology.

Drexel University. (n.d.). Benefits of online and virtual learning. Drexel University. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://drexel.edu/soe/resources/student-teaching/advice/benefits-of-online-and-virtual-learning/

University of Minnesota. (n.d.). How online education is shaping the future workforce. University of Minnesota. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://online.umn.edu/story/how-online-education-shaping-future

Annotations of personal readings

  • This text goes into discussing the pros of online learning. It discusses the flexibility and cost reduction of online learning and how online learning is a great addition to in person classes rather than a burden. Its a 10/10 read for online learning and helps shed light on the positives of online learning

  • This article Highlights not just online learning but remote work or working from home! it explains that this allows more flexibility for working parents and busy schedules, overall it can become more productive than coming to work and its energy efficient.

  • Education Week talks about the effectiveness of online learning this article discusses the pros and cons. It highlights the true statistics of how effective online learning can be.

  • This text highlights how emergency remote learning was extremely different than just regular online learning, emergency online learning was a fast and quick change that caused a variety of different issues that regular online learning didn’t run into.

  • This article allows us as readers to understand a different point of view when discussing online learning, yes it was very difficult for the student but there were also thorough challenges for teachers and professors as well, this reading allows us to understand that better.