Facing challenges in modern distance learning

Modern times require modern solutions. Whilst humanity is facing a global health crisis, many solutions are searched and found to keep life going as close to normal as possible. In a realm of weeks, universities and other educational instances switched to distance learning providing their students with the best education possible in these times. Luckily, we live in times where online teaching, video calls, and learning management tools like Canvas or Blackboard can help with setting up a good and effective distance learning course (read more about this here). There are, however, still some challenges that are being faced.

Steady increase

Even without the developments of the last couple of weeks, distance learning has steadily increased in the past decade showing the growing demand for this type of education. No matter what the reason is for choosing distance learning: remote work, geographical separation, or the high flexibility which it provides, it is crucial that the quality of education is as high as possible. Although distance learning has its advantages, challenges for both students and teachers like self organisation, lack of control for the teacher on students’ work, a sense of isolation, and lack of effective interaction with the teacher and peers still must be faced [1].

Social contact in traditional higher education is so trivial, that the importance of the interaction of peers and teachers is easily missed. It makes students participate, care, and learn effectively by studying together. In distance learning, teachers have a hard time keeping students motivated for their courses. The dropout rate of online learning is higher, often by 10 or 20% [2]. The same study looked at the patterns of student activity, showing that some students have the trait to do everything last minute which could affect their learning progress. An essential part of effective online teaching is using technical support and ICT systems like an LMS or Zoom. Automated grading can reduce the workload for teachers and help students with consistency.  As important is face-to-face contact with which teachers can motivate students, help them with their coursework, and show that they care about the student’s work. It helps motivate students because it makes the interaction more human. By showing that you care, for instance by replying quickly to questions, you motivate students to do the same.