The popularity of online learning has increased in recent years. Many students now see the benefit of online studying for their university degrees, and it can be a great way to learn at a pace that suits you. However, many students can be hesitant towards online learning – out of fear there will be little support compared to being in the classroom. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of things universities can do to support online learners, from utilising mentoring software to peer support groups. This article will discuss six of them in more detail.
Virtual Counselling Appointments
University can be a challenging time for many students. The pressure to do well in their studies combined with the challenge of meeting new people can be overwhelming. It is vital that students are offered support during this time to help them through their studies. Shocking statistics have also shown that there has been a 450% increase in student mental health declarations over the last decade. So, support is needed now more than ever. Universities can offer online learners virtual counselling appointments. Online therapy can be highly beneficial for students. They don’t have to worry about travelling to a meeting – and can feel more at ease in the comfort of their own home.
Online Social Events
Studying online can often feel lonely at the best of times. Many students will notice their morale is low due to this and can often struggle to motivate themselves to get their work done. Sometimes, all they need is a friend to talk to. However, it can be difficult to build friendships in a remote setting. Universities can help their students foster valuable relationships with one another by creating online social events. Hosting a virtual pub quiz on a Friday night is a great way to encourage others to interact. It is an opportunity for them to recognise familiar faces from their online classes – and allows them to get to know each other out of the classroom.
Mentoring Software
Students can benefit from having a mentor. For universities, the prospect of giving students mentors can be a lot easier face to face; that was until mentoring software was created. There have been so many technological advancements, and now getting an online mentor has never been easier. Online mentors recognise the need for basic human intervention. They offer support to students to help them feel less isolated. If you want to know more about mentoring software, enlist the help of an organisation like PushFar. They have helped universities find mentors for their students and can track their student’s progress to ensure they are meeting their goals. Mentoring software can save universities time and money on resources they would have required to create their own mentoring programmes. It truly is a no-brainer.
Make Use Of Break Out Rooms
Many students who attend online classes may be hesitant to participate. This is not because they are not engaged with their work, but it is more to do with nerves. The thought of asking a question in front of others can negatively affect their anxiety levels, so they are more likely to keep them to themselves. However, this will not help them overcome any issues they might face with their work. To overcome this issue, universities should encourage the use of break out rooms. Breaking the students into smaller groups can allow them to discuss content in more detail. As there are fewer people, it also leaves more room for people to ask questions – who may have been hesitant in a larger group.
Encourage Feedback
It can be easier for many students to address any issues they may be experiencing in the classroom. Online students are more likely to keep their concerns to themselves. However, to overcome this – and to ensure you are giving your students the best learning experience possible, universities should regularly encourage student feedback. Send out an anonymous questionnaire to ask them if there are any areas they feel need improvement from their online learning. This feedback can be valuable and shed light on how the university can improve its online learning moving forward. You can learn more about how to respond to student feedback by referring to some online resources.
Ensure Dashboards Are Easy To Navigate
Most universities will use a learning experience platform (LXP) to deliver students the content they need to complete their studies. However, choosing one should take a lot of thought and deliberation. The dashboards of your LXP should be easy to navigate. So, your students can access all the learning materials they need. Failure to access the correct materials can lead students to feel very frustrated, which can affect their productivity levels. Making content easily accessible – and ensuring that students can contact someone when they experience an issue is vital in helping them feel more supported.
