What are the obstacles to using e-learning?

Top 8 E-Learning Barriers That Prevent Online Learners from Engaging with E-Learning Content

Is there something standing in the way of your online learner’s success? Are they struggling to engage with eLearning content ? Have you noticed a gradual decline in online learner engagement? Do you know what’s causing this or what are the barriers to eLearning? In this article, I’ll show you the top 8 barriers to eLearning that prevent online learners from engaging with eLearning content and how to overcome them.

What are the obstacles to e-learning?

In an ideal world where everyone uses e-learning, everyone would have multiple, highly flexible schedules and endless attention spans.

They will look forward to every new course and learning activity, and their intrinsic motivation to learn more will increase. Unfortunately, e-learning students face a variety of barriers to deal with. These barriers can be solved if we get our hands on the problem, and thus we can significantly improve the user experience of the e-learning system .

Here are the top eLearning barriers that prevent online learners from engaging with eLearning materials and 8 tips to overcome them .

• Limited technical expertise

 Many may be hesitant to switch to e-learning because they do not have much technical expertise. They have heard that e-learning is only for tech-savvy individuals and have thus avoided it so far. This is one of the toughest hurdles to overcome because it is a pre-existing belief.

Online learners have convinced themselves that they need advanced technical skills to participate. However, you can alleviate their fears by offering introductory online tutorials and in-person support.

Create online demos that show them how to access and use their learning management dashboard. Invite them to a new eLearning seminar where you will guide them through their learning journey. The key is to make them feel at home when using the eLearning system.

• Previous experience

Not everyone has had great experiences with eLearning. That’s why they are afraid to take the plunge until now. This is especially true for learners who have had to endure boring online courses. You can’t erase the past, but you can get them excited about their current eLearning program.

Emphasize the benefits upfront and tell them what’s in store. Online learners who have had bad experiences don’t need more surprises, especially negative ones. So be clear about why they should take your eLearning course and how it can improve their lives.

Additionally, conduct surveys and questionnaires to identify what issues need to be addressed, for example, issues that have arisen with other e-learning courses.

• Lack of motivation

You might have expected that lack of motivation would be at the top of the list. After all, it’s one of the most common challenges online learners face. More than one factor can contribute to a lack of motivation. But there’s a way to engage online learners and get them actively involved in the process: gamification . Badges, certificates, points, and leaderboards give online learners the motivation they need to achieve their desired outcomes. 

• Personal perception

Unfortunately, some online learners may have some negative self-image and beliefs. For example, they may feel as though they do not have the skills or abilities to enroll in your eLearning course. This will certainly prevent them from receiving the benefits that your educational program offers.

One of the best ways to overcome negative self-perceptions is to acknowledge and evaluate them. Ask online learners thought-provoking questions that prompt them to examine their beliefs and assumptions. They may not even realize these negative perceptions exist in the first place. 

• E-learning materials are a big challenge.

Creating an effective eLearning experience is all about finding the perfect balance. If it’s too easy, online learners may become bored and unengaged. If it’s too difficult, they may become frustrated and simply give up. As such, you need to research your audience and conduct pre-assessments to find the perfect level of challenge.

The goal is to give them a sense of accomplishment without making them feel pressured during their learning journey. You can also break down long-term goals into smaller, more manageable goals, thus increasing their passion and motivation to learn. Online learners also have the opportunity to monitor their progress and celebrate their achievements.

• Insufficient support

Some learners can handle an eLearning program on their own. They don’t need any extra help and can navigate the eLearning course with ease. Then there are others who need ongoing assistance throughout the entire eLearning experience. They may not feel comfortable using the LMS or find the subject matter difficult. No matter which category your online learners fall into, they should always reach out for support. Provide them with a list of contact details and links to online resources they can use to improve their understanding.

• Lack of community participation

Some people associate eLearning with isolation and loneliness, but that is one of the biggest obstacles to eLearning . They want to expand their knowledge, but they don’t want to do it alone. That’s why you should build an active online learning community for your eLearning course. Create social media groups and online forums where online learners can ask questions and interact with their peers. Start an eLearning blog or website with helpful articles and multimedia links.

Another option is to develop online collaborative activities that allow them to practice problem solving with their peers. There are many specialized online project management systems that can help them communicate, share documents, and assign tasks. Online e-learning webinars are another way to foster community engagement and prevent feelings of isolation.

• boredom

This list wouldn’t be complete without boredom. When boredom sets in, we notice students suddenly stop completing the course. This is one of the biggest challenges online educators face. There is no secret recipe for making your eLearning course inspiring and engaging. But the best way to prevent boredom is to know the personality of your learners. Conduct surveys, interviews, and pre-assessments to determine their expectations, needs, and goals. Additionally, develop personalized learning paths that allow online learners to choose their own eLearning activities.

Abstract:

Keep these eight tips handy to overcome eLearning barriers and motivate online learners about the eLearning experience, so learners can get the most out of distance learning . You can also help them overcome common misconceptions about eLearning. Just remember, it’s all about building a personal connection and providing the one-on-one support they need.

You can also learn about the importance of distance education for students and employees .