But contradictory to what everyone thought, Chegg reported new earnings and profits in the new year that surprised the market. As of May 2022, the stock price was $18.20. This blog delves into the dip and rise of Chegg’s stock, the probable reason behind it and what it could mean for the company in the longer run.

Story: What Happened in 2021?

Chegg is a well-established name in the digital education market and is based on a subscription business model which is the primary source of revenue for the company. However, the education market saw a dip in early 2021 when unexpected college enrollments dropped and the already registered students started taking easier and fewer courses. To say the least, the next quarter reported fewer earnings and the stock price dipped significantly. 

Howbeit, surprisingly, the registrations rose up again in the next quarter. The return to growth gave the management confidence to issue guidance for 2022 that called for revenue of $840 million, and which would be a healthy increase from the $776 million it generated in 2021. Both of these were ahead of any analyst expectations.

Improved Earnings in Q1- 2022

In December, the company closed the Q4 with 1% Y-o-Y, which was driven by Chegg’s strong performance. CEO Dan Rosensweig attributed the success to Chegg Study Pack for all time high retention rates. He said that this ‘benefited subscriptions, average revenue per user, and margins for Chegg services overall.’ The momentum also carried on to the first quarter in 2022 that led to an eventual increase in the share price.  

In the first quarter of 2022, Chegg forecasts its revenue to increase by 2% Y-o-Y, which ranges between $200 million to $205 million. The management expects company earnings to grow 8.4% over and above the earnings of 2021 with adjusted earnings before taxes, depreciation, interest, and amortization. These, however, remain little over last year- between $260 million to $270 million. These year on year growth and revenue targets imply that the sales and revenue should accelerate over the year 2022.

What Could This Mean for the Education Industry? 

There are a couple of ways Chegg could show a growth in sales cycle and revenue for the next financial year. The company has already reported a rise in student enrollments to its courses and study material. Other than direct sales, revenue can be increased by cost-cutting within the company. From many other strategies that can be followed, outsourcing content to third party vendors is one.

If Chegg does resort to outsourcing, it will mean a generous rise in demand for B2B content development partners who can develop academic solutions for students and provide homework help.

Let us know what you think about this.

If you are a content development company, and you are looking for partners for content creation, reach out to our executive team. 

Evelyn Learning Systems is a B2B content development company which is positioned among leading brands in educational content development across all STEM and Business subjects.

Image Sources: Economic growth vector created by macrovector at Freepik

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In this article, some of the common mistakes in online course creation are extensively outlined and discussed. Doing this will help to avoid learning from experience as to how bad they can be.

1. Not Laying a Proper Foundation

The actual process of creating an online course is the same as building a house. Building a house calls for securing its foundation against any unforeseen damages. In addition, you don’t build a roof until your foundation has dried properly. 

Thus, it is critical that you validate your course idea and identify your target audience in advance of recording the course content. Moreover, you are required to select a name and a proposition for your product that best describes your course results in just one word or maximum in one sentence. If you pay attention to building a solid foundation at the start, you will be on the right path to scaling efficiently.

2. Selling Before Having A Finished Product

According to some creators, you should start marketing your course before it gets created and before it is finished. Although it can lead to more sales, momentum, and a sense of urgency, it is usually not a wise idea. First of all, online course creation is creative work, and creative projects rarely go as you had imagined them. 

As your project progresses, you may realize that there is an alternative direction you can take. Besides, it’s possible for you to discover that you are incapable of creating enough content for an entire course on your chosen topic. A lot can go wrong, and your buyers won’t like it if they get a course that is different from the one they expected. Therefore, make it a rule to create first and sell later.

3. Taking Your Audience For Granted

Creating online courses is time-consuming and expensive. It is a waste of time and money to produce a course that nobody will purchase. Nevertheless, you will be amazed at how many course creators create courses just because they think they have a great idea. Additionally, they don’t pause to consider if there is an audience for their course.

So, before you begin online course creation, determine what your readers want to learn more about. A reader survey is an excellent way to understand what your direct audience wants to know and in what form. By doing so, you will learn more about what they need and find topics that will make them smile.

4. Not Defining Skills of Course Participants

When you are an expert, you tend to take things for granted and forget that your audience may not understand them. Newbie courses in some fields would be worthless to professionals seeking continuing education. Modules should be differentiated according to difficulty level so that beginners receive beneficial basics and veterans gain in-depth tips. A pre-course questionnaire like this one helps professionals determine their knowledge level so they can skip the modules they already know.

5. Thinking Negative Reviews Are Bad 

The worst nightmare of any online course creator is to receive a bad review. It can be heartbreaking or even frustrating when people leave a negative review of your course after you put so much love, effort, and sweat into it.

Typically, online course creators delete these comments as trolls or refund seekers. Nevertheless, bad feedback is the most valuable feedback you can receive. Ignoring negative reviews is a major mistake associated with online course creation.

6. No Visuals Added to the Course

Since it is easier to write than to represent concepts with images, no visuals are added to the course at times. Besides, the production of video requires time and money. Therefore, some courses tend to contain abundant text and lack visual resources, apart from not mentioning multimedia. However, the reality is that students often scan instead of read. Images capture their attention, while videos hold their interest. Hence, ensure the videos and images you include are high quality and of sufficient length; anything less will not suffice.

7. Too Much Information In One Course

It is evident that most existing courses on reputable online educational sites are focused on narrow topics. You will not find these programs trying to teach you everything there is to know about a certain field of knowledge. Instead, they choose their purpose and do not deviate from it. 

This will prevent two things from happening: first, you’ll end up with a course that covers everything but is an inch deep (that is, you will ignore anything that students can find in public sources); secondly, students will experience information overload. After your course, they will feel overwhelmed rather than excited about what they’ve learned. Hence, be careful when choosing your topic and make sure it’s relevant. Don’t include anything unnecessary and allow some space for future courses.

8. Putting Your Course Into Big Chunks

Typically, a modern online course consists of bite-sized content. Nowadays, technology and ever-shrinking attention spans make it impossible for 40-minute videos to explain a theory effectively. Since most people don’t have much time to devote to learning, they take their courses during short periods of time (while commuting, walking, waiting in line, etc.). As a result, you should divide your course into bite-sized modules that can be consumed anytime.

9. Requiring Too Much Commitment

In general, people can’t commit 10 weeks to learn a new skill (because they have too many responsibilities) or are in a hurry to accomplish that goal. In general, they prefer micro-courses that offer an absolute minimum of theory and a maximum of practical application. Give them an easy way to learn the skills they need without getting overwhelmed by non-essentials. Besides, those who want more profound training can always take a more advanced course.

Hopefully, these tips will be sufficient to help you avoid some of the typical first-time mistakes involved in online course creation and ensure a successful entry into the world of creating online courses. When you avoid these mistakes, you do significantly increase your chances of launching a successful eLearning course, but it does not guarantee your success. To ensure your efforts are not in vain, you should work actively with professional course creators. Creating a high-quality online course, producing fantastic content that your audience wants, and figuring out how to market it effectively, both short-term and long-term, takes effort. So, if you succeed, you’ll undoubtedly reap the rewards.

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How to Develop Content for the Corporate Sector? 

Despite having a content development plan in place, you may be able to find ways to enhance the process and achieve your content development objectives. If you are starting from scratch or wishing to update your existing content development strategy, take a look at the top steps to be successful.

Ensure your content development strategy includes different pieces of content for each step in the process, such as:

• General articles for those who just realize they have a problem
• Details on specific products for those who are seeking more information
• Interactive pricing calculators for those who are close to making a purchase decision

So, content development that is well thought out and strategically executed saves you not only time and money but also effort. In addition, it can assist your company in reaching its digital marketing goals and driving sales growth. Hence, creating interactive content with an end goal in mind is key to online growth, as is optimizing your content to get the most leads.

Image Sources: Digital news vector created by rawpixel.com at Freepik

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What is Content Development for Test Prep? 

The purpose of test preparation for exam preparation is to increase students’ performance on standardized tests by providing educational courses, tutoring services, educational materials, or learning tools. The design of tests is an important part of assessing students’ level of understanding and competency in applying what they have learned. A carefully designed test, whether it is low-stakes and frequent – a quiz – or high-stakes and infrequent – a midterm and a final – will increase the accuracy of results.

What to Consider in Developing Content for Test Prep? 

Here are some key guidelines to help companies get started with the content development for test prep solutions: 

How to Develop Content for Test Prep? 

• When are test prep exams appropriate?

1. Whenever you are assessing students’ analytical, synthesizing, or evaluating skills
2. If you have taught at this level (that is, college-level writing courses, undergraduate seminars, graduate courses), the content lends itself to critical analysis rather than simply recalling facts.

• What is the right way to design a test prep exam?

1. Be specific.
2. If you are expecting students to think critically, use terms that indicate your expectations; for instance, identify, compare, and critique.
3. By using points (or time limits), estimate how much time and detail students ought to devote to each question.
4. Practice taking the test yourself or have a colleague review the questions.

• What is the process of grading test prep exams?

1. Determine the appropriate response to each question.
2. Create a scoring guide that explains what you expect from each response and how much credit you will be giving each part.
3. After reading through the responses to question 1, proceed to question 2, and so on. In this way, you will obtain a more comprehensive picture of how the class answered each question.

• What is the best way to help students succeed on test prep exams?

1. Prepare study questions which ask students to think in the same way they will be tested.
2. Explain how to approach a test prep exam using examples which you can use during the lecture or discussion.
3. Include practice tests and sample questions.
4. Demonstrate how to answer questions successfully.

• Assessing the test

Whatever type of test you use, you can evaluate its effectiveness by considering some of these questions:

• Are you testing for what you thought you were testing for?

In the event that you would like to find out whether students can apply concepts to new situations, but ask questions primarily to determine whether they can label parts or define terms, you would test recall rather than application.

• Are you testing everything that was being taught? 

In some cases, your question may have served as a test of the students’ understanding of surface properties or procedures, when you had typically been lecturing on causation or relationships-not necessarily what the names of the bones of the foot are, but how they work together when we walk.

• Is everything emphasized in the course covered in the test prep? 

Don’t forget to ask most of the questions about the material that you feel is the most important, particularly if they were emphasized in the course. It is best to avoid questions that are weighed the same as questions on crucial material.

• Was the material tested truly what students were supposed to know?

It might be better to use true-false and multiple-choice questions requiring inference rather than true-false questions requiring a non-inferential recall, particularly if you want students to use analytical skills such as recognizing patterns or drawing inferences.

As a result of this information, you may be able to identify areas in which students require additional focus. In addition, you may be able to evaluate the test itself: Are the questions framed clearly? Are the questions of an appropriate level of difficulty? For example, if scores are uniformly high, it is likely that you are doing everything right or have an unusually successful class.

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• The solutions are comprehensive and easy-to-understand solutions that leave no room for doubt.
• The solution eliminates unwanted double-checks and is error-free.
• Makes proper use of the latest technology and a range of software to deliver visually rich, ready-to-use textbook solutions.

Places to Find Textbook Solutions Online 

Below are the top online textbook solutions providers as well as their features and USPs:

Solution Manuals

Solution manuals that are printed offer one significant advantage over the majority of digital alternatives. This is because they are written and published by the same professionals who are directly involved in writing textbooks. In addition, students seeking homework help might consider printed solution manuals as “safer” alternatives to any other solutions available for revision. 

Is there a downside? Public access to solution manuals is not always possible since publishers usually release them only to schools, although the great news is that you can still find solution manuals online. All you need to know is where to look online.

Chegg Study

Chegg Study covers more than 9,000 books with more than 21 million textbook solutions. For subjects like science, math, and engineering, you can find detailed, step-by-step solutions by searching for your book by title or ISBN. Apart from that, Chegg Study lets you review solutions for five textbooks a month online or via Android and iOS apps. If you need additional help with your homework, you can also get up to 20 questions answered by experts every month.

Slader

Slader provides answers to nearly 3 million homework problems, covering subjects like math, science, social sciences, foreign languages, and literature. Aside from textbook solutions, Slader allows you to ask questions and get answers from subject experts – though there’s no guarantee you’ll receive a response. Although you can get access to many textbook solutions for free, you must subscribe to access unlimited expert-verified textbook solutions. Besides, subscribers can also download one-sheets, which provide comprehensive textbook solutions in one printable document.

Course Hero

Over 1,000 textbooks are covered by Course Hero, which has verified solutions for subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, accounting, math, and psychology. Unlike other platforms, this one allows users to solve problems on their own before viewing solutions. As a result, you can extensively work through problems step-by-step and check your answers. 

As you navigate through the solutions, you can find hints and videos that will help you learn. Moreover, students can submit study resources on Course Hero, including course notes, study guides, literature infographics, and tutor questions.

Bartleby

Schools often promote Barnes & Noble-owned Bartleby, another resource that lets you search for step-by-step answers by textbook, chapter, section, and question number. In addition to instant tutoring and writing help, Bartleby provides grammar and plagiarism checking tools, as well as formatting citations. Hence, the platform can surely assist students with clarifying any doubts and reaching their full learning potential. 

OneClass

Over 3.7 million homework answers and many expert-led videos are available on OneClass. In fact, the platform makes it possible for students to collaborate and share their own lecture notes and study guides. More than 3 million students participate in this community-driven service to submit and rate textbook solutions. Additionally, it provides class notes, study guides, “booster” courses, and document tracking services.

Crazy For Study

In addition to providing step-by-step solutions, Crazy For Study claims to offer solutions for more than 50 million textbooks, including those in business, engineering, math, science, law, and social science. Moreover, CFS also offers 24/7 subject-expert homework help and essay writing services. According to its website, Crazy For Study offers a “best price guarantee,” but it doesn’t provide details. Nevertheless, it is one of the most affordable custom textbook solution platforms.

ScholarOn

On ScholarOn, you can find solutions for more than 300,000 textbook problems. The first three solutions are offered for free, so you can sample the material before you purchase. Besides textbook solutions, ScholarOn provides 24/7 live help with your homework, writing services, study documents, and flashcards. Moreover, a unique feature of ScholarOn is its pricing model, which offers one-day and three-day passes alongside monthly subscriptions and long-term memberships.

Today, you can find homework answers for specific textbooks by using book solution websites, apps, and manuals. Most provide step-by-step instructions so you can learn while you solve problems. While these resources can help students save time and improve their grades, they must not be abused. 

A trusted textbook solutions platform can provide your educational institution and students with relevant content on time, at the right price, within budget, in both print and digital formats. All you need to do is search for your textbook with title, edition, author, or ISBN, and you will find reliable solutions. 

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In recent years, online course platforms and subsequently online course creation have become increasingly popular with students and seasoned professionals who want to add to their professional profile from the comfort of their home or office.

What is an Online Course Platform?

Online course platforms are typically information systems that enable students to take online courses in a safe environment. Since online course platforms offer students the ability to search for and pay for online courses directly, they are known as ‘online course marketplaces’. Several of these platforms allow users to create their own online courses through proper online course creation, but most are geared toward educational purposes and offer only university-level content.

Using an online course platform allows you to manage your learning resources more easily and independently. In addition, you get to be involved in the development and design of the website that hosts your online course creation, as well as how the course itself is presented and promoted.

As a result of the emergence of COVID-19, the online course creation industry has seen an exponential increase in popularity. Learn all about the top 11 online course platforms for the year 2022 to pick and take a step towards boosting your skillset.

Top Online Course Platforms in 2022 

Today, businesses and entrepreneurs of all sizes use online course platforms to create their own educational academies, marketplaces, and training grounds. Here are the best online course platforms in 2022 to consider: 

• Udemy

Over 100,000 courses are available on the platform across many different disciplines, including business, fitness, and arts. In addition, it is a remarkable value for money since it allows prospective candidates to preview a course for 30 minutes before enrolling in it. The customer feedback of Udemy is not only positive; more than 50% of users return to take another course because of flexible pricing. Most importantly, Udemy enables online course creation for instructors and allows them to start teaching online, but it takes a share of the revenue and controls the pricing and discounts.

• Skillshare

As far as Skillshare is concerned, there are many courses on the platform that focus primarily on IT skills such as animation and graphics. According to customer reviews, the quality of content available on this site is absolutely outstanding. Besides, the website’s user-friendly interface is well received by customers, as is its welcoming design and ease of use.

• Udacity

‍Another course platform is called Udacity, which provides a number of courses through a digital medium. The platform is well known for its high-quality free courses. However, some customer complaints often concern the weak customer support even though the courses are of high quality with distinguishable information.

• LinkedIn Learning

‍LinkedIn Learning (previously Lynda) occupies a unique niche in the market. It is popular with customers because of how professionally drafted the courses are and how relevant they are to the jobs they do today. Furthermore, the content for the courses is prepared by experts in the field, which makes them 100% relevant, even though some customers highlight that none of the courses offered here have an adequate certification.

• MasterClass‍

There is no other platform like MasterClass in the online learning industry. There are real-time creative courses that are taught by professional celebrities, such as actors, writers, or singers. In addition to benefiting from their real-life experience, customers fully value the interactions they receive from their favorite celebrities.

• EdX

As a leading player in the domain, EdX is immensely popular among university students. Aside from a broad selection of online courses, it offers university-level degrees. On this platform, students are taught some of the most comprehensive materials available. Clients appreciate the ease of use and flexibility of the platform.

• Khan Academy

‍As a free-for-all platform, Khan Academy has become one of the most popular online course websites in the world. Despite the limited number of course options, the content presented in the courses is of a high standard and provides useful insights. In fact, the ease of use and intuitive layout greatly appeal to returning users.

• MindValley

With MindValley’s courses, you can align your body, mind, and spirit. These courses are taught by world-renowned life coaches, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who share their life lessons for you to learn from and improve your intangible qualities. Hence, the exclusivity factor, as well as the interactive nature of the classes, attract customers to this program.

• Brilliant.org

A fun and interactive STEM course platform, Brilliant.org, provides courses for kids and teens of all ages. Many adults use it to facilitate their children’s learning. Customers, particularly parents of children, have only positive things about this platform and its educational opportunities for their children.

• Coursera

In addition to its ease of use, Coursera is praised for its instructors’ competency and is one of the most popular online course platforms. There is a wide range of content offered on the platform. The fact that this platform offers online degrees at the university level is one of the reasons for customers choosing this platform over others.

• DataCamp 

Last, but certainly not the least, is the DataCamp. It is an open, massively interactive online course platform that offers both programming courses and data science courses. Furthermore, interested candidates highly appreciate the quality of the online course creation they provide. According to their students, instructors explain concepts by using real-life examples.

Choosing an Online Course Platform

It is clear that there are many options available out there, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Through the accessibility and ease of knowledge available on such platforms, one realizes the power of technology for learning and promotion. Although the entire process of going over every detail of each platform and tool may seem time-consuming, researching the ones you are most interested in before you finalize your choice is highly recommended. In addition, online platforms like these facilitate online course creation due to their flexibility and ease of use.

Hence, remember that most platforms will let you test their products before purchasing them, so try one and see how it works with your other EdTech tools! In the end, you should choose an option that best fits your needs and is within your budget.

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What Does the Cost to Create an Online Course Depend On?

Budgets cannot be calculated on the spot for an eLearning course. Developing an estimate for the costs of online courses is not an easy process as multiple factors affect the price. Hence, be prepared for some hefty prices if your course includes interactive elements, practical tasks, plus videos.

In contrast, if you decide to do most of the tasks yourself, you will save considerably on costs compared with outsourcing. In addition, you can save significantly using free online course creation tools. In most cases, these decisions will be based on your skillset, your budget, and the amount of time that you have available to you.

Components of an Online Course

In case you intend to develop the e-course, the following cost components need to be considered:

• Scenario 

For motivational courses and training, a detailed script is essential. A complex subject can easily be explained, and learners can be engaged if storytelling techniques are used. A literal “scenario” is not necessary if all you need to do is, for example, inform companies’ sales reps about the release of a new product.

Instructional designers, who create training programs, usually create scenarios for courses in eLearning. The writers of e-courses are not only experienced screenwriters but also educated in pedagogy and the psychology of learning since the storyline should be both entertaining and educational.

How much does it cost?

It is reported that instructional designers earn an hourly rate starting at $50 on Upwork. With a simple plot and central character, a simple scenario can be written in 20 hours. So, the work is at least $1,000. It gets more expensive as the task becomes more challenging. Make sure to allow for extra time for editing and proofreading the text because when you see the first version of the scenario, you will likely have some ideas for improving it.

• Design Cost

Design elements that are often overlooked, such as the font or color scheme, contribute to supporting an idea. So, putting the design in the same category as pictures would be a mistake. It is possible to make your text easier to read, highlight the points to remember, and manipulate the learners’ attention, even if it is mostly text.

The design and illustrations for branded materials are usually expensive because such materials form the company’s image, such as onboarding courses. For example, Alpina Publisher designed The Young Alpinist Course, an intro course for new employees that includes information on the history of the company, its structure, published books, a detailed office guide, and a FAQ section – all beautifully crafted and interactive.

How much does it cost?

In general, freelance designers charge around $40 per hour. Besides, the design of a slide-based course on the brand book of a company might take about five hours, adding up to $200. Creating illustrations and drawing characters and locations, depending on the style of artwork you need, will increase the cost of the project. The cost may be as much as five times greater if you need to create illustrations. Typical charges for this type of online course creation begin at about $1,000.

• Course Development Cost 

In general, instructional designers do not just send pictures to their clients; they create complete slide presentations. As part of this process, course developers must customize the navigation and add buttons, an interactive menu, as well as practical tasks such as quizzes, training games, and interactive simulations.

How much does it cost?

Normally, course developers are paid on an hourly basis, starting at $60. Within five hours, you can complete a course on your company’s product line and take a test including 20-25 questions.

For example, creating a business simulation that boosts working with software, dialogue simulations for learners to practice communication skills, or a serious game with multiple difficulty levels, characters, and rewards needs a lot more time and programming skills. It is possible for someone with this skill set to charge up to $80 an hour.

• Quality Assurance Cost 

The final rehearsal before finalizing an online course creation is called quality assurance (QA). As an alternative to getting employees to start training right away, you test the course on a small group first. These employees will provide feedback, identify errors, and help to improve the course. In order to do so, participants complete a questionnaire that consists of five criteria:

• Suggestions for improvement: Is the course easy to understand? Does all the information make sense? Is there any additional information that should be included? Does it contain any typographical errors?
• Relevance of the course: What did students learn? Does the material apply to their everyday lives? 
• Illustrations and photos: Are they able to understand the subject faster if they see illustrations and pictures?
• Structure: Is the information presented in a logical and consistent manner? Does it contain any errors or inaccuracies?
• Practical tasks: How realistic are the tasks? Can feedback be provided when simulating? Does any task seem difficult?

Final Cost Of The Online Course Creation

As a result, it is recommended to include this cost in your budget, not for the testing itself, since you don’t have to hire additional people for it. Instead, include this cost for processing the QA results and fixing bugs. Consider it like an insurance policy: you might not use it, but it’s essential to have.

If you intend to create your first online course, be clear about your goals, the potential audience, and the value it will bring. Most importantly, a good course without a good design can be a waste of time and resources. Developing an online course is a multi-step and complex process, so it is impossible to determine the cost in advance. Hence, the final cost of the online course creation is subject to several variables.

Image sources: Cost vector created by studiogstock at Freepik

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Striking the Right Balance: SMEs v/s Learning Experts

Point 1:

Subject matter experts have a high talent and affinity for their subjects. However, learners may or may not be able to follow the guidelines or the syllabi listed by the SMEs. 

To straighten out these creases, a Learning Expert who helps bridge the gap between SMEs and learners is considered.

How Does a Learning Expert Work:

• They take complex and comprehensive subject matter from subject matter experts and break it down into a series of steps of easier ‘building blocks’ that learners can comprehend, understand, and learn from. 
• Find out case studies and real world examples to illustrate a theoretical concept better.
• In some cases, they also highlight the practical benefits and personal gains for the learners, which help the learners look at the topic objectively.

Point 2:

Subject matter experts hold a far more nuanced knowledge of a subject than a regular instructor, but sometimes, there is not a requirement of in-depth explanation of topics. Other times, internal factors like time restrictions and deadlines do not permit over investing in detailed information. 

This issue is also resolved with the help of instructional designers who are hired to explain the topic at hand (mostly relevant in case of school students) in an easy and quick manner. Learning experts may not have advanced mastery over a subject but they definitely know the nuances and have the skillset to illustrate key concepts.

How Does a Learning Expert Work:

• Focus on the key topics and concepts while illustrating or explaining a topic.
• Focus on leveraging the maximum time that is allocated, keeping in mind the organization’s goals and the learner’s interest.

Point 3:

Subject matter experts often consider their job to transmit information. However, learning experts balance the knowledge between pure information and real application. For example, a subject matter expert may explain a simple concept of physics like refraction through complex equations, theorems, and formula derivations, but a learning expert is most likely to demonstrate the same concept through real life examples and demonstrations. 

After listing the above points, it is only clear that subject matter experts and learning experts work well in coherence. While SMEs provide the reasoning and information behind technical concepts, instructional designers (or learning experts) help learners relate those difficult theorems from real life, thus making it easier for them to understand hard concepts and topics. 

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It is not surprising that online learning has been gaining lots of attention. Despite the advantages, many of them experience some challenges, including issues with accessing comprehensive learning experiences and getting instant answers to questions. The benefits are being borderline suppressed by the challenges that arise during the process of learning. This article provides some of the challenges faced by students along with suggestions for how to overcome these challenges.

Online Learning Challenges Faced by Students

Listed below are the challenges faced by students during online learning and solutions to those challenges: 

• Adaptability Issues in Online Learning

After a traditional classroom learning environment, some students find it challenging to adjust to the online learning environment. When students have studied in a classroom their entire lives, they find it difficult to focus on the online learning platform all at once. However, students must keep an open mind by accepting the new learning environment.

How to overcome the challenge?

With adaptive learning, content is individually-tailored based on individual needs using artificial intelligence. In order to improve the learning outcomes, personalized courses can help as they can identify their weaknesses and strengths.

• Distraction Issues in Online Learning

Online learning can be a very rewarding experience. The environment may appear to be similar to that of a school. Nevertheless, at home, the situation is different. For example, you might want an open classroom, parks, playgrounds, canteens, friends, and teachers to mentor and guide you. On the other hand, online education requires that you manage everything in one location with your parents nearby. These factors make it easier for you to become distracted by household matters. 

How to overcome the challenge?

Informing your parents and friends about your online learning time will prevent you from being distracted. When attending live sessions and video calls, you need to restrict access to the study area. Be sure to take breaks as designated on your schedule. By doing so, you will spend more time with your friends and family while also concentrating on learning.

• Continuous Feedback

Students expect both positive and negative feedback. The feedback students receive from instructors allows them to improve their performance. Does your institution solely rely on summative assessments? Do your students lack motivation or discipline? Perhaps the issue lies in a lack of continuous feedback. Providing feedback becomes even more valuable online, where there is an abundance of information but no filter to streamline it.

How to overcome the challenge? 

To improve the circulation of criticisms and advice, developing and designing a continuous feedback model is necessary. Teachers can record and present feedback online through a variety of channels, including videoconferencing, spreadsheets, emails, and slide packs.

• Technical Issues in Online Learning

Most students often lack high-speed internet connections that are necessary for online learning. Hence, they run into problems when they try to use virtual learning and other platforms that require an internet connection. Technical difficulties arise in online classes because students don’t know much about technology and computer applications. When your internet connection is slow and high, it can negatively affect your ability to watch the class and avoid missing live sessions. A lack of connectivity may result in difficulty in downloading certain information related to the subject, blurry videos, etc. 

How to overcome the challenge? 

In order to resolve the internet connection problem in your online class, you simply need to find a high-speed internet connection at your home. Find out how you can get technical support for your connection and other software and learning tools issues.

• Time Management

Comparing in-person lecture time with online instruction would be like comparing apples and oranges. In-person classes take longer than online classes. Would you consider using the old online schedule? Do you lack the time commitment required for online learning? Does your faculty struggle to achieve the intended learning outcomes? To engage students and course material in a different way, teachers need to put in more effort and time. 

How to overcome the challenge? 

Check with your teachers to ensure they have the time for such an endeavor. This includes direct one-on-one contact, mentoring, segmenting large courses, and providing feedback. In fact, students should be urged to become more autodidactic (self-taught) and impose self-discipline.

• Computer Knowledge Challenge in Online Learning

Today, there is a major concern about the lack of computer education. Some students still do not know how to operate a computer with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. As a result, it is difficult to resolve technical issues when they arise. In addition, they have difficulty navigating live classes, using appropriate icons, MS office, communication-related apps and websites, and browsing study materials. 

How to overcome the challenge?

Students should be provided with tools for resolving technical problems via phone, email, or live chat. Besides, they need to be attentive to their instructor as they work through the problem.

• Different Learning Styles

There is no proximity in online classes. It is not necessary for teachers to spend seven to eight hours with the student every day. How can they then determine which student needs an extra push? Can teachers verify that all the students know what they need to do? Unless students have this assurance, they risk dropping out, losing motivation, and learning less.

Conclusions

The guidelines are monitoring student performance and activity and one-on-one communication with students. Training and counselling of teachers are also recommended. For students, personalized innovation based on AI can be helpful.

In an age where education is increasingly online, many educators are asked to conduct their lessons from home. A variety of challenges associated with online learning can be grouped into three categories – basic, intermediate, and advanced. Most importantly, overcoming those challenges raises your maturity level in online learning. Learning how to become more adept at online learning can take years, or even decades. At present, only a few institutions are well-equipped for online learning. However, many other institutions are adopting online learning, with numerous colleges and universities introducing it alongside their regular classes.

For more information on preparing for the LSAT, visit our blog. 

Create. Engage. Inspire. 

The post Online Learning Challenges & Solutions: For Students appeared first on Test.Evelyn.

Students and educational staff are seeking solutions to the challenges associated with digital learning, such as staying focused while studying at home or having limited access to the internet and reliable devices. Fortunately, unexpected times demand creative problem-solving, and many have proposed innovative ways to overcome the challenges associated with digital schools. 

Here are some challenges and solutions for making learning at school possible and effective for both teachers and students:

1. Engaging Students During Online Class

Teachers may find it difficult to adapt to a brand-new learning platform as students are moving toward online learning from traditional classrooms. In some cases, online teaching can be less effective in influencing and engaging students for longer periods of time. Students are most likely to become distracted or lose concentration during live sessions.

How to Overcome the Challenge?

In terms of tools and platforms to engage students in studying, online learning has a lot of advantages. Consider using these tools and multiple learning approaches such as podcasts, videos (teaching channel, own videos, live classes), discussions, various forms of text (articles, blog posts), various assessment methods (tests, quizzes, assignments, and projects), as well as collaborative learning activities.

2. Lack of Right Teaching Methods in Online Learning

The majority of teachers follow traditional classroom-style teaching methods, using only a blackboard and a book to instruct. Most importantly, some teachers find it difficult to adapt to completely virtual and technology-driven teaching methods.

How to Overcome the Challenge?

The most significant factor is to become comfortable with a virtual classroom. Teachers should identify different types of tools that facilitate teaching and assessment. There are many teaching methods that can be implemented to improve students’ learning, such as conducting different activities, making models, debating, participating in group activities, taking virtual tours, discussing in groups, and performing role play.

3. Teacher Communication Problem During Online Learning Class

Having a detailed syllabus makes it easier for teachers to communicate with students. Some teachers do not have enough time to prepare content for their students. Also, students avoid communicating with teachers when they are learning online. The absence of body language in online teaching causes students to misunderstand, which can further cause them to underperform. Occasionally, students will request extensions or give reasons for their delays.

How to Overcome the Challenge?

Allow students to ask for a flexible deadline if they fail to meet their deadlines. Keeping in touch with the students is imperative, and teachers must know what kind of activities will accomplish their goals. Engage students in discussions about specific content and provide them with the opportunity to learn effectively. Also, allowing students to discuss practical questions can reduce frustration, increase problem-solving skills, and assist in handling technical issues. Provide students with a communication and collaboration platform that will allow them to communicate with each other.

4. Learning Management Systems

Teachers often have problems explaining their content to students, especially when it comes to assignments and assessments. In terms of the content of the courses, there has been confusion among students regarding the level of difficulty. In online learning, teachers report that they are not able to take advantage of the incidental interaction opportunities that happen in face-to-face communication.

How to Overcome the Challenge?

It is imperative to understand the importance of learning management systems and web technologies to help you in your teaching. Be sure to take advantage of all the workshops and training sessions you attend during teacher training. Learn effective ways of teaching and managing your classroom. In addition, you can speak with other teachers who are familiar with the online learning management system.

5. Comprehensive Course Content Issue in Online Learning

The course content was developed earlier in comparison to traditional classrooms. However, the shift from on-campus to online learning means that courses need to be redesigned, a process that takes a significant amount of effort and time. Having started well in advance would have resulted in more effective learning outcomes. Online courses generally fail to meet the needs of these courses’ needs compared to traditional classroom settings. Online assignments, content-related activities, and projects cannot be completed when this occurs. 

How to Overcome the Challenge?

Understanding the course content and its relation to your online course is essential. Ensure you make a few modifications in terms of activities and assignments so that the concepts are better understood.

6. Assessment Challenge in Online Learning

Students and teachers alike emphasize the importance of assessment in online learning. At times, it can be stressful for students. Teachers may have to deal with a lot of questions from students whenever they have assignments or projects. Since students and teachers do not communicate as often, expectations for students’ performance also differ. Students can experience less homework, fewer assignments, or lack of exams from time to time. When this happens, teachers may have difficulty assessing students.

How to Overcome the Challenge?

Prepare FAQs for the common questions students might ask and understand the type of questions they have. Ensure regular tests and assignments are given. By doing so, you can assess students’ performance.

7. Time Commitment Issue in Online Learning

When the course is taught in person, you might not fully appreciate the time commitment. The process of converting those learnings to an online format is still challenging. For teachers, there should be enough time to properly plan the content and methods they will use to teach the students. Otherwise, they will not be able to provide students with useful information on time. It is said that online teaching takes longer than face-to-face teaching. In the case of students exceeding their deadlines for submitting projects or assignments, it can lead to more work for them.

How to Overcome the Challenge?

Communicate with your students in a friendly tone to establish rapport. A learning management system can be used to set deadlines for assignments. Inform your students a week before the due date.

Students today demand greater freedom in their education as opposed to rigid curriculums and limited subject choices. Today’s learners may be digital natives, but the use of technology for online learning can be overwhelming and challenging to motivate. However, when instructors provide the right support, learners can succeed within these online classes.

For more information on preparing for the LSAT, visit our blog. 

Create. Engage. Inspire. 

The post Online Learning Challenges & Solutions: For Teachers appeared first on Test.Evelyn.