Online platforms have taken over physical classrooms. Schools and universities have shifted to Zoom and Google Meet. The proliferation of online learning has certainly given learners the flexibility to take courses remotely on their schedule. The hype around e-learning, the industry reports, and the forecast that the Australian online education market will grow to $7 billion by 2024 from $4 billion in 2018 serve to prove the popularity of eLearning as a whole.
However, like the two sides of the same coin, eLearning also has its share of challenges that students have to deal with. Let’s talk about some of them.
Keeping the interest alive
At the onset of a program, things may feel ‘gung-ho’ for the student. But as the course progresses, lack of direct interaction with the peer group or the teacher, the impersonality of the digital courseware, etc., can lead to a drop in enthusiasm.
Moreover, if procrastination is your middle name, the convenience of connecting to the learning platform from anywhere, any time can easily switch from a boon to a bane.
Lack of digital literacy
Owing to smartphone savviness, learners, in general, can navigate through user-friendly courseware. Things turn problematic when the time comes to prepare assignments or presentations on a lesson learnt and presenting the same virtually. Not everyone is well versed in preparing a document or presenting it well using the platform’s presentation tools. This can be nerve-wracking for many students.
Technical hindrances
Basic knowledge of computer troubleshooting is not everyone’s cup of tea but can help make e-learning seamless.
Furthermore, network connectivity issues continue to disrupt eLearning. Problems like inaudible live lectures, video freezing, and connection snapped in between a presentation, etc., keep plaguing online classes.
Communication gap
Interacting with an AI-powered user interface is not fun in the long run. Zero or limited interaction with the peer group, feedback from the teacher, or the scope of conventional doubt clearing can turn even the best-designed programs into uninspiring. A gap in human communication can kill the vibe of digital learning and lead to social isolation.
Slow adaptation
Most educational institutions are delivering programs through online platforms or have shifted to the hybrid model. Yet, adapting to this hi-tech mode of learning is a tedious process. Despite the convenience of remote learning, pre-recorded lectures or interactive AI-driven courseware can never replace the ambience of a classroom.
Limited exposure to practical
E-Learning programs are okay for theoretical topics. But, when it comes to practical parts of subjects like science, the online medium struggles to offer the same value that a student would get from an in-lab session. Artificial Intelligence or a digital interface cannot give learners the hands-on experience that these subjects require.
Using your smartphone to learn something new is the most progressive thing to do. But it comes with its pitfalls. At Pacific Training Group, we are determined to help you wade through these challenges and earn the certification that you have long desired. Talk to us today for a detailed discussion on your interests and the programs that we offer to chart out a path to professional and personal growth.