How to help e-learners succeed

The pandemic in 2020 brought a proliferation of interest in e-learning, and greatly accelerated the platform as a legitimate and even expected option for the modern student. E-learners face unique challenges that must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure student success well into the future. In this blog, we’ll examine the leading challenges — and propose solutions — for e-learning providers.

Challenge: Lack of face-to-face interaction and engagement.

Solution: Encourage active participation through online discussions, forums, and live video sessions, social media events and engagement through podcasts and other platforms that present subject matter experts to lead discussions on the topics of interest. Use interactive tools such as polls, quizzes, and breakout rooms to promote engagement.

Challenge: Technical issues and limited access to technology.

Solution: Provide technical support to students and ensure they have access to reliable internet connections and appropriate devices. Offer alternative offline options for students with limited internet access.

Challenge: Self-discipline and motivation

Solution: Set clear expectations and goals for students. Provide regular feedback and rewards to motivate their progress. Create a supportive online learning community where students can share their challenges and achievements.

Challenge: Time management and organization

Solution: Offer students effective time management techniques and provide them with tools such as calendars, reminders, and task lists. Break down complex assignments into smaller, manageable tasks with clear deadlines. Break down learning into short, focused topics.

Challenge: Increased distractions and lack of focus

Solution: Promote a conducive learning environment by advising students to eliminate distractions, find a quiet place to study, and create a schedule for dedicated study time. Encourage the use of focus-enhancing techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.

Challenge: Limited feedback and personalization

Solution: Provide timely and constructive feedback to students on their assignments and progress. Offer personalized support and virtual office hours for individual consultations. Use adaptive learning platforms that tailor content based on student needs.

Challenge: Accessibility and inclusivity

Solution: Ensure that learning materials are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. Provide closed captioning, transcripts, and alternative formats for multimedia content. Incorporate universal design principles to accommodate diverse learning styles.

Challenge: Assessment and evaluation

Solution: Provide varied assessment methods such as quizzes, projects, and presentations to measure student learning. Use online proctoring tools to maintain integrity during exams. Provide clear grading rubrics and guidelines for assessments.