Overcoming Challenges of Online Education & Emerge a Winner in 2023

Traditional chalkboards and classrooms are no longer in use. Students may now attend lectures in their pyjamas, complete assignments from their couches, and study without visiting physical classrooms, thanks to the advent of online education. However, with any new system, there will be challenges to overcome. Students must traverse many technical challenges in this digital age, stay motivated without friends and teachers, and discover strategies to stay involved in a virtual setting. So, how do we overcome these obstacles and excel in online education? For that we have found solutions to cross many of these hurdles through innovative approaches. So, let us look at the challenges of online education and how students can overcome them.

1. Lack of digital access–

Though the world is tilting towards online education post-pandemic, there is still a considerable lack of digital devices and literacy. Just the presence of computers and other hardware is not enough; to initiate proper online education system, specific software is required. Also, the latest and easy-to-use software for seamless use is lacking in most parts of the country. To make it available for everyone:

• Students and teachers should be given access to the latest technology hardware.
• They should also be trained to use the software involved in online education and
• Should be provided with hands-on support in case of any technical issues.

2. Lack of time management -

Time management can be cited as a significant pro to online education, but it can also be considered a con. This is mainly for younger students and parents of early childhood education. They often complain they must be present throughout the online classes as children do not understand things independently. To overcome this issue:

• Online education should be interactive and easily understandable.
• Teachers must encourage student participation as much as possible.
• Younger students should be free to take online classes with less pressure.

3. Lack of focus –

No doubt you don't need to be physically present to be focused on your studies but maintaining an atmosphere away from chaos is a challenging part of online education as distractions are multiplied with online education. To claim that focus, a student must:

• Be very motivated and aggressive about clearing their workspace of distractions.
• Relatives, friends, pets, and other objects of distraction should be avoided when engaged in online education.
• To make the most of your online education experience, setting up a quiet and separate study space is helpful.
• Set short-term goals, and you can reward yourself with a break when you accomplish them.
• Keep a running list of your short-term and long-term plans regarding your education. Refer to that list whenever you feel distracted.

4. Lack of socialization –

Social development is essential for K12 education as it involves developing important skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. But in online education, students often miss classroom interaction with peers, friends, and teachers. Some also find that studying online may affect one’s social life. Unfortunately, online education has no feature encouraging physical connection to that extent until now. But to make online education interactive, there are, fortunately, solutions like:

• Now, most technology tools promote social interaction while you are in your online education environment.
• For starters, many schools utilize learning platforms that allow for interaction.
• It may be helpful to connect with your peers who are also learning online and learn together, even if you are physically in separate locations.

5. Lack of practical assessments –

Another significant challenge, which even the online education board of India expresses concern about, is the lack of practical assessments. When the initial shift to online education occurred, it was difficult to gauge whether students were learning their subjects. Theory-based lessons are less valuable if they do not apply to the real world, but online education also came up with unique ideas like:

• Institutes then came up with interactive ways of practical assessments to test students’ learning. This can include speaking tasks like extempore or some fun knowledgeable games.
• Scores should also be given based on the level of interest students take and how well they perform in these tasks.
• These activities enhance their confidence in public speaking apart from traditional education.

Conclusion:

Online education may have its share of difficulties, but it's vital to remember that we can overcome them with the appropriate resources and attitude. Students can increase their productivity and retain motivation by remaining organized, designating a workplace, and forming a routine. Additionally, requesting assistance from peers and teachers can help students overcome loneliness and maintain interest in their studies.

Ultimately, online education can offer a special opportunity for students to prosper and succeed in their academic endeavours if they adopt a positive outlook and are prepared to adapt to this new learning environment.