You may be thinking that the difference between classroom and online learning is that one takes place on-campus, in a classroom, at a specific time. Online learning, for the most part, takes place on a computer, over the internet, at a location and time of your choice. You are right! However, those are not the only differences.
Online courses require us to navigate the platform(s) used to deliver the course in a way that is more complex than in a classroom based course. Course content might be delivered in written form, as well as through video recorded lectures, readings, websites, or other media.
Online courses might require you to work and study differently to acquire information and knowledge than you did in the classroom. In online deliveries, you are in charge of navigating your way through the course content, and may be asked to synthesize your learning through posting board discussions or other online learning activities. Even if you used education management platforms such as, Learn in your classroom-based courses, you may find that online courses utilized different functions, or aspects of the platform that you have not previously used.
Below are some other differences you may not have considered.
Increased autonomy
Learners in online programs have more autonomy than classroom learners. By this we mean that online learners have more choice over when and how they learn. You set your own schedule and work through course materials in a way that works best for you. There are many advantages to the increases in autonomy, however the downside is that you set your own schedule and decide how you will work through course materials. Sometimes, our greatest strengths are also our greatest challenges. The increases in autonomy may also mean needed increases in self-regulation and self-motivation skills. With great freedom comes great responsibility. With online learning, learners have an increased responsibility to find all the needed resources, keep track of dates and requirements, and troubleshoot technology issues independently. What strategies can you use to help you manage the increased autonomy?
Take the time to understand how the course is structured
Just like classroom based courses, every online course is structured differently. Instructors put things in different places and utilize different functions. It takes time to understand the structure of your online course and learn how to find content quickly. For best success, take a few days at the beginning of your course to understand the design of your course, and how to find everything. Reading your course outline as early as you can, will help you get a sense of how the course is designed, as well as the course expectations. How can you account for this as you begin the term?
Increased mind wandering and attention lapses
It can be difficult to maintain attention and focus for long periods of time. Many of us have experienced our minds wandering off during classroom-based lectures, or had the experience of reading the same paragraph 3 times and still not knowing what we read. Some research has shown that our minds are even more likely to wander during online or recorded lectures. You may have to work harder to stay focused in online classes. (See the study tips section below for suggestions on how to improve your focus). What techniques can you utilize to help you stay focused?
Scrolling
Scrolling down a screen can disrupt the brain’s ability to process information into short-term memory. It also forces the reader’s eye to search for a new starting point each time. Not only can scrolling disrupt the brain’s processing, but the constant searching for a new starting point adds time to the reading process. The reduction in regular blinking that often occurs with screen usage can also contribute to eyestrain. How can you account for the impact of scrolling on your mental processing?
More multitasking
Research on multitasking and academic performance shows that multitasking during lectures, as well as while studying can result in lower GPA. Online courses may require context switching between sections of the course in order to find all the relevant information related to a topic or assignment. The ease of switching to non-course related software, such as social media and emails or other messaging systems also creates challenges. Finding ways to minimize context shifting, by printing some documents or using multiple devices so you can have multiple components open at a time, can help reduce multitasking. (Not to mention turning off social media and email while working on your course. We’ll talk more about that in the dealing with distractions section.) What strategies will help you reduce multitasking so you can focus?
Dangers of “skimming”
The online environment leads itself to skimming more than it does to deep reading. Skimming has a value and purpose when it is applied intentionally and at the correct place in the learning process. Skimming also makes it easier to misread, misunderstand and make mistakes while learning.
While the video below is specifically referring to preparing for the “critical reading section” of the SAT, the tips also apply to times when we need to read to LEARN. Reading to learn requires deep reading. How are you going to ensure you apply skimming in the appropriate places, and fight the urge to skim when deep reading is needed?
Digital eye strain, mental fatigue, and other physiological impacts
All the extra time spent on a computer during online courses can lead to computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain. Seriously! It’s an actual syndrome! There are many ways to prevent eye strain from digital devices.
Some easy options are:
- Adjust the brightness of your monitor to help reduce eyestrain
- Ensure proper lighting in your study area
- Distance from your screen
- Blink every few seconds (we tend to blink less on the computer)
- Every 20 mins look up and out your window. Preferable, look at something green like the trees and look as far into the distance as you can.
- Saline eye drops can help – check with your pharmacist for recommendations. Drops that constrict the blood vessels in the eye can cause additional issues. You want to ensure you have the correct type of drops.
How are you going to support your eyes during your online work?
