Online digital literacy and skills

Online Challenges

Online classes are presented with challenges that brick and mortar classes do not have to face. The challenge of not being able to see the professor to ask questions is limited to email, phone, and times the professor is available. There may not be immediate answers to questions because professors cannot be available 24/7, more especially where online classes are concerned. There are challenges concerning the learning of the online class environment to meet assignments and obtain instructions. Each class may be set up different ways. There are time management concerns because, with Asynchronous classes, for example, the week is set up from Sunday midnight to Sunday midnight. There are time differences between geographic locations that also play a part. Determination has to be made between the time differences.

The online environment can be especially challenging to someone who has never done online classes. Learning the different functions takes some time exploring and asking questions when understanding in not present. It is always best to take time in the initial part of class to explore the different functions to learn where to obtain assignments, discussion questions, where to submit assignments, and the syllabus. The syllabus will contain instructor contact information and availability, weekly objectives and assignments, and instructor expectations concerning assignments and rubrics. The syllabus can be used as a guide on a weekly basis throughout the course.

Getting to know other students, more especially ones that are familiar with online classes can be a vital part of the learning process. Obtaining email or phone numbers, provided trust can be built, can give answers to questions, sometimes quicker than contacting the instructor. Continual contact on a periodic basis can help to develop relationships that act as study buddies. Asking questions about specific subject material in the discussion chat format can give the instructor ample time to respond and possibly help other students as well without the same question being continually asked by numerous students that need help with the same thing.

Asynchronous classes can present time management problems because of not having a specific schedule each day for class activities. Synchronous classes require class at certain days and times. The time differences between geographic locations would have to be determined in advance to ensure that class is not missed. For example, if the class time is Eastern Standard Time and the student lives in Mountain Time, the student needs to adjust the time schedule for class to be two hours earlier. It is also advisable to get in the habit of starting assignments at the earliest possible time to avoid problems of not understanding subject matter and assignments to be presented late with penalties.