There is a lot of stress in online learning. Despite this, online learning and education have remained popular, with an upward trend in student enrolment.

There are reports that in the United States alone, there are over 5 million students enrolled in online learning, the majority of whom engage solely in distance learning programs. The majority of the enrollees have a positive attitude towards online education, and rate it as equivalent to or better than traditional campus or classroom-based experience.

What is online learning?

There is no doubt about the fact that online education is one of the most sought-after modes of higher education today. A learner must choose online learning that offers the right kind of support and guidance from the university or college. Many online education institutions have made a lot of efforts to provide the best level of education to students from different walks of life.

For instance, some colleges and universities have tie-ups with leading multinational companies which give valuable training to their graduate students. Hence, it has become possible for learners to pursue higher education without having to worry about the cost of living in a particular city or state.

However, if you are looking to pursue your online education stress-free, it is essential to know about the different available options. These days, in the United States, students from all over the country can join online groups at the same university or college.

Some of the most prominent ones are the National Association of Schools and Colleges (NASC), which is controlled by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA). The CHEA is responsible for making sure that every school maintains specific standards of discipline and safety, as laid down by the federal government.

Apart from CHEA, many other bodies regulate online learning outcomes. They include the Accreditation Council for Online Learning (ACLS), the National Association for Home-based Programs (NACHP) and the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

In addition to these bodies, many other associations govern different aspects of online education stress-free. These include the Association of Independent Universities and Colleges (AICU) which is the governing body of the University of Florida.

On the other hand, the American Intercontinental University, which is a part of the American Intercontinental University Group, is another central body that governs online learning outcomes in the United States.

The online institutions that we have mentioned above are the ones that permit students to take online classes and participate in online learning outcomes that depend on their time availability.

However, some other colleges permit online education irrespective of the time and place where they want to learn. These institutes form the precollegiate universities.

They are governed by the different regional accreditation boards that include the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSACC) and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCCAS).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online classes?

Advantages of online learning

The principles that guide the functioning of these online learning institutions are very simple and straightforward. They provide students with a host of advantages that will help them succeed in the online programs. The first advantage that they provide is flexibility. As mentioned above, online universities offer flexibility in terms of the time and place where the students want to study. Hence, these institutions can attract students from different parts of the world.

Another advantage is that online institutions provide online classes that are cheaper than regular classroom sessions. The reason behind this is that they do not need to spend on the facilities that are necessary for running a traditional classroom session.

Instead, they get money from the revenue earned from enrolment fees. This means that they can hire halls, study rooms, library, laboratories and many more. But when you compare online education with a traditional classroom session, you will find out that you get all the benefits and advantages offered by the traditional brick and mortar university, at a fraction of the cost.

As mentioned before, the costs associated with online programs are much cheaper than the costs associated with the conventional classroom sessions. Online classes cover everything that is needed for the student to complete the course.

As a result, they allow the students to gain knowledge and skills in addition to earning a certificate or degree at no extra cost. Therefore, students who are looking to achieve their higher education should consider online classes.

Another advantage is that the programs are self-paced, giving the students to proceed according to their need and circumstances

There are many advantages associated with online programs. However, it is essential to make sure that you go to a credible university so that you do not end up wasting your money. Furthermore, you must choose a university that is renowned as well as recognized. By doing so, you will be able to take advantage of all the benefits offered by online courses and get a degree from a university as well.

Disadvantages of online learning

There are disadvantages of online learning that you should pay attention to as well.

 Technical Impediments: Because online classes rely on web connection and online technology, any technical malfunction in technology can frustrate the student’s effort to study online.

Failures in online connection, computer malfunctioning, including software and hardware difficulties, are potential sources of stress for the online learner. Furthermore, some enrollees have no access to a suitable computer, and this can be frustrating.

 Safety and distractions: Online learners can be vulnerable to the imperfections of the Internet that include distractions from unwanted ads and pop-ups of inappropriate websites, hackers and viruses. However, these safety and privacy matters can be prevented as many online education programs now use online learning platforms like Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Moodle that avoid these unnecessary distractions and provide online safety for the learner

Isolation: Online education can lead to isolation due to limited face-to-face contact between the learner and other participants – tutors and fellow learners. Consequently, essential interaction with tutors, especially instructions and personal guidance, is unavailable or limited. Such limitations can affect the performance of the learner.

Lack of Motivation – Online learners must exhibit self-discipline to achieve success. Students who are unable to focus and fail to meet their deadlines will struggle to complete their course, due to the absence of personal guidance from tutors. Furthermore, virtual colleges are limited in providing support structures, e.g., library support and laboratory assistance that are available in brick and mortar traditional colleges.

Inadequate preparation – Some online learners are ill-prepared to face the challenges of online education. Such learners enrol in the first place because of insufficient qualification for traditional colleges and therefore struggle with the academic demands. These problems become manifest in assignments and summative assessment.

How online learning works?

Rapid technological progress has facilitated the opportunity for many students to undertake a degree program solely online, including participating in forums without actual physical contacts with other students and their instructors.

One must acknowledge that to enrol in online education, you must be self-motivated. Nonetheless, online institutions are well aware of the level of support they need to provide to students, ensuring that such authorisation is at the level of campus-based programs.

The resources that make online education viable include e-learning, virtual classrooms, webinars, eBooks and journals, video tutorials, recorded teaching sessions, quizzes, and online student forums.

Many online courses have blended learning that relies on sound educational technology. Some programs termed open university, provide online degree programs with well-defined and validated coursework. Sometimes the syllabus is synchronous and other times asynchronous with campus-based degree programs. Many of these programs offer online classrooms to facilitate learning.

Sources of Stress in Online Learning and Tips to Cope

Now you know that online learning is different from traditional campus learning. For this reason, online classes can be stressful.

One source of stress in online learning is the possible lack of study skills, routine and structure in your daily life as most learners do all their studying from home. Due to lack of discipline, you may struggle to meet your deadlines leading to failure and drop out. This type of stress in online learning is common in online learners.

The first tip is that you need to have a plan. You must be prepared for each day as if you are attending regular classes. Get up, have a shower, dress up, have your breakfast and get ready to study. Otherwise, you will laze around the house, and your chance of success dwindles.

Staying on your own at home most times and having the same routine can be tedious. So, use different parts of the house to learn new topics and get some break during your study as you would do in a traditional college.

Take some break from the computer screen. Reward yourself each time you complete a task.

If you lack discipline in your personal life, you will likely struggle with online learning. So, create a reasonable timetable that is easy to follow. Make sure your time table covers classes, forums, tutorials, assignments and stick to it. Do not leave your homework till the last minute. Always try and meet your deadlines. Being timely is rewarding and will help you build confidence.

Studying alone can be intense. So, when you have a break, leave your room or apartment and take a brisk walk in the open air. Walking can be refreshing. If you are into meditation or yoga, this can help as well.

Ensure that you get a good sleep. Practice sleep hygiene. Never go to bed until you are ready to do so. Avoid reading in bed or watching TV on your bed. Only go to bed to sleep! You need a good rest for the next day.

Many online learners have a poor eating habit, preferring to snack a lot or order fast foods. Watch your diet and eat healthily. Develop a routine for a well-balanced diet, with fruits and vegetables. Remember that your brain needs nourishment to function correctly.

Have friends that support your ambition with who you can easily interact. Loneliness while studying is not advisable. More so, try and find colleagues that can form a discussion group with you. Interpersonal contacts are vital to a good education.

Always remind yourself that you are doing this for you!