Impact of Online Learning on College Students

There have been widespread concerns about the impact of online education on college students, secondary and high school students although. But, the effects have also been felt by university students and postgraduate researchers as well. According to the study conducted by Eric Bettinger et al, published in American Economic Review, shows that the students who take remote classes have a higher probability of failure, dropouts, and lower grades in comparison to the students who take physical classes. So, do you think these are the only problems of online education? Not sure? Because there may be plenty of others covered below as well that the author may face while taking online training programs. 

Negative Effect of Online Learning

This debate around the impact of online learning on college students was quite a hot topic when it was introduced and popularized. It is obvious that it will have some challenges because shifting to a new form of learning from the traditional learning methods is difficult. Some students found it challenging to adapt and struggled to maintain their essay writing schedule and other class assignment deadlines. 

As a result, many felt compelled to hire essay writers to help complete their assignments when students and teachers were forced towards online learning during the pandemic, it took them a lot of time to get used to it. Online learning comes with challenges, effects, and not to mention, advantages. Let’s discuss them one by one. 

Accessibility 

Even though online education comes with the slogan of easy accessibility and availability to everyone, in reality, not everyone has the accessibility to it. The reason? Well, not everyone is well off enough to afford a stable internet connection and a laptop or other tech devices to learn fand. Virtual learning is accessible only for the people with the internet and computer. This was one of the biggest challenges students faced when they needed to get laptops and internet connections to learn from home.

Students are scattered all over the country, and there is a high possibility that some students might not have access to the Internet due to their remote locations. A stable internet connection is another challenge that comes with accessing online learning. Poor internet connection impacts the learning and performance of students because they won’t be able to keep up with the classes and the assignment submissions. 

How to Ensure Accessibility to Overcome Impact of Online Learning on College Students?

To overcome this challenge of accessibility, you need to look for low-cost internet packages and connections that will provide you with stable connectivity to view online study materials and attend virtual classes. Online learning can’t be done solely through a smartphone; that’s why you need to get a second-hand laptop or low-cost tablet that will aid in tackling assignments writing challenges and reviewing the classes. Check your local library because most of the libraries provide free internet connection and open wifi that you can use for classes. And this is how you can overcome accessibility problems which is one of the negative effect of online learning. 

Increasing Distractions

The major negative impact of online learning on college students is that they can easily be distracted from their classes and studies when they are already on their tech devices. There is a high chance of students gaming or using their social media while being in their online classes. Online classes failed to create the same effect as traditional classes in terms of engagement and student interactions. Students might be eating meals, watching TV, or getting distracted by other events happening in their homes, leaving no time to focus on their online classes. This is one of the prime ways online learning effects students’ study. 

How to be More Concentrated to Overcome Negative Effects of Online Learning?

You can combat this challenge of distraction by adopting effective measures and strategies to be more focused on your classes and not fall into the temptations of other distractions. It’s important to manage your time wisely as you can fall victim to the effects of online learning on mental health as well. 

Turn off all the social media notifications and block all the distracting apps during your study session. Implement some time management strategies to take little breaks between the hours of focused work. Make a schedule for yourself, engage more with your classes, and leave other activities for another time. Set academic goals in your mind and hold yourself accountable for your actions. Your future is more important than the chit-chat with friends and streaming TikToks; that’s why you need to pull yourself into studying better.

Is Low Confidence also Impact of Online Learning on College Students?

The major negative effects of online learning is that students will develop low confidence and self-esteem. Social interactions with peers, teachers, and other people on a daily basis at school are compulsory for students to develop confidence and polish their communication skills. Online classes limit the interactions of students with each other and with the teachers as well. Students tend to not participate in virtual sessions and hesitate to speak on occasions due to low self confidence and no proper social skills. Low self-esteem and confidence directly affect the performance and engagement of students in learning and other co-curricular activities. 

How to Develop Confidence during Online Learning?

Traditional learning will give college students a chance to learn more from teachers by asking questions and listening to the teacher’s answers to the questions asked by other students. This interactive element is important to consider regarding the impact of online learning on college students. It is also essential to acknowledge the effects of online learning on mental health as the isolation of virtual classes can impact well-being. Online classes are more like individual study, and you can turn it to your advantage by making your study plan. You can customize your learning practices by making notes, asking questions from the teachers, and keeping an active record of daily learned topics. Volunteer to speak to the online class and present your ideas regarding study to minimize the potential negative impacts of remote formats.

Poor Physical Health and Self Discipline

Poor physical health and self discipline is the most important impact of online learning on college students that is not discussed by many. One thing students love about online classes is that they don’t have to maintain checklist of college dorm essentials, get up early in the morning, put on a presentable outfit, and hurriedly reach the school. Students simply start attending classes straight from the bed. It seems convenient for a day or two, but this schedule will ultimately affect the student’s physical health and self-discipline. Laying down or sitting improperly for a prolonged period of time will promote back pain, bad posture,eye strain, and even weight gain. Students might sleep through the session. Such a routine will deteriorate the self-discipline of students and enhance procrastination. 

How to Be Self Disciplined and Healthy during Online Sessions?

There is no best solution to this challenge other than being a responsible person. You need to understand that online learning is a big responsibility, and it is important to consider the impact of online learning on college students, the same as regular school. Establish self-discipline even though you are studying online and there are no teachers to correct you. Make a timetable for yourself and get up before classes. Take care of your hygiene even if you are staying home.Attend classes while sitting properly on the chair and maintaining your good posture. Work on your time management skills by eating your meals on time and attending lectures at their specific time. It is important for you to understand how online learning effects students both academically as well as personally. Don’t take online relaxation for granted, and engage yourself in daily exercise alongside your responsible essay service and online sessions. The more you learn to manage your time and understand different impacts, the more efficient you will be in your career and in your future.

Endnote on How Online Learning Effects Students

The impact of online learning on college students is not always negative nor always positive. It can be a great opportunity to make education accessible to all students, but it comes with plenty of challenges like accessibility problems, distraction, low self-confidence, and bad physical health. Online learning is great if students take it seriously and indulge themselves in the sessions as much as they did in traditional learning. It’s all about student’s free will and how they will customize their study plan to be effective and productive.