Online learning is transforming the way we gain knowledge and skills. It offers flexibility and accessibility, while also boosting digital literacy and facilitating deeper learning experiences. However, it’s important to consider whether this approach will suit your needs and fit into your lifestyle.
Whether you are considering online learning or are already enrolled in an online course, it’s essential to understand how the virtual classroom works and what challenges may arise. Having the right mindset and motivation can help you succeed in your studies, but it is also important to be aware of how online learning differs from traditional education.
For example, in a class that is mostly asynchronous (you can complete assignments and interact with the instructor at your own pace), the discussion structure allows learners time to reflect on the comments of their peers before responding or moving on to the next item. This gives students the opportunity to articulate their responses with greater depth and forethought than in a face-to-face setting where they must formulate answers on the fly.
While many online courses are asynchronous, some have weekly meetings or other requirements at set times that cannot be changed. For example, the Ohio State Doctor of Nursing Practice program requires a live weekly session using CarmenZoom, which is supplemented by readings and homework that can be completed outside of these sessions.
Oftentimes, technical glitches or outages can interfere with online learning. This can be frustrating for learners who need to access course materials and participate in virtual sessions at specific times. Moreover, hands-on learning experiences like lab experiments or fieldwork are not easily replicated in an online environment.