Why Students Lose Interest while Learning Online

The global pandemic has shifted the way we teach and learn. Nowadays, students are studying almost exclusively online. Unfortunately, the school system wasn't prepared for such a drastic change. Tech companies immediately scrambled to find solutions and do their part to help. Apps like Google Meet brought a valuable infrastructure that created a virtual class with all the necessary teaching tools. Slowly but surely, the school moved to our homes and became normality.

Nonetheless, the change seems to bring new teaching problems. Since the future's uncertain as to when we'll be back to school physically, it's our duty as a society to find answers for the time being. One of the most critical problems students are facing with digital learning is engagement. Studies show that pupils are participating less in online classes than before. But why? Well, there's a combination of factors. Everyone is different, and social restrictions affect kids in different ways. Some may lack social interaction, while others lack an adequate home environment. In this article, we're going to briefly go over the five reasons why students lose interest while learning online.

Social problems

Youngsters these days are exposed to all kinds of harmful lifestyles. Combined with the pandemic's stressful situation, teens are more likely to experience escapism and addictions. Research confirms the destructive trend of drug abuse among all components of the population.

1. Drugs
   
   People that use drugs are very capable of hiding their problems and addictions, but there are a few ways to tell if your kid is on drugs:
   
• Users will usually leave items indicative of drug use around their living quarters. Check their belongings.
• Consumers will beg or steal money wherever possible. Other times, they'll have more cash than usual because of dealing drugs.
• People that use drugs might experience mood changes, irritability, behavioral problems, depression, etc.
• Substance abuse might result in pinpoint pupils in low light, dilatated pupils during the daytime, bloodshot eyes, etc.
• Lightheadedness, memory loss, weight loss, fatigue, unusual odors (from using), over/under-eating are all possible signs of drug use.
2. Escapism
Drugs aren't the only problem. Some kids might use TV shows or video games to escape reality. Unhealthy use of entertainment can lead to low school engagement and grades. People that want to escape reality will use various digital distractions for hours on end.

Technical difficulties

Not all kids are proficient in using technology. Some have difficulties adapting to the new apps and teaching methods. That's why it's vital to assist in similar situations. Learning new systems requires time and patience, but teachers only have limited resources to spend on single cases. If the parents aren't involved in helping, the student might feel demoralized, inadequate, and abandoned.

When the pandemic hit, nobody provided a beginner's guide to students about accessing and using distance learning tools. Society assumed that kids are expert computer users because they're fascinated by video games, but the reality is different. Like all of us, kids need training if they're going to use a completely new school system.

Moreover, a minority of pupils have learning disabilities. Some students might have problems processing information from video lessons. Others might have issues understanding text materials and instructions. This vulnerable part of the classroom needs extra attention, and in the current context, they seem entirely forgotten.

The solution relies on the teachers and parents to ensure that school material is easily accessible and understandable. Here are a few good practices to apply when distance teaching:

1. Explicitly guide through online school tools and share your expectations from the class.
2. Record video lessons for asynchronous learning because not all students are on the same level or schedule.
3. Put your best students to take clear notes for the whole class.
4. Make sure that students have easy access to school materials through bookmarking.
5. Accept feedback from students about tech issues.

Economic issues

School content isn't easily accessible to everyone. In some cases, kids from unprivileged communities don't have the basic means to attend online classes. The minimum equipment needed is a device and a stable internet connection. Sadly, in many parts of our words, these two elements are scarce commodities.

Many families lost their jobs or experienced economic distress. Shopping priorities change, and students have smaller school budgets. Parents can't afford the tuition fees, and students must provide for themselves. Some students will look for a job and concentrate on the immediate necessities for survival. It's clear that after working for eight hours, there's little energy and motivation left for learning.

The harsh reality of capitalism means that, in some instances, work comes first. In this case, teachers should try to communicate with the interested parties and come up with resolutions. Depending on the student's work schedule, some schools might allow the student to take up exams on a different timetable than his classmates. It's vital to communicate economic problems to the school and work out a way to pursue studies.

Counseling

Families in difficult economic situations should seek help from their local social services. School advisors can guide the families through the legal possibilities of subscribing to welfare systems - if available.

Emotional struggles

Substantial research points out that the pandemic negatively affected our mental health. People worldwide are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and stress - children are no exception. Academic pressure is another aggravating factor, alongside household distress.

1. No siblings or companionship
   Kids without family members of the same age might experience added loneliness during the pandemic. Teachers and parents should try to identify the problem and propose solutions for social interaction.
   


2. Online bullying
   Some pupils may experience hate or psychological violence through the internet. Parents should be aware of their kid's online activities and try to prevent similar episodes.
   


3. Household violence
   Unfortunately, some dysfunctional families might engage in verbal or physical violence. Constant household tension can lead to trauma and behavioral problems. Teachers should try to ask students about their family situation regularly.
   


4. World affairs stress
   Students are usually very up-to-date with world events. For example, protests around the world against racial injustice are seen by some as societal destabilization. Kids often think about the future and the ramifications of social movements. It's important to talk about these problems are reassure the class.
   

Inadequate teachers

Teachers are considered the second parents of every child. Rarely, teachers may have problems of their own and negatively influence students through their behavior. Parents should assist their kid's online classes a couple of times from a distance. This way, they'll be able to identify inadequate conduct.



Pupils can lose interest in online learning for many reasons. Young people are vulnerable to drugs, escapism, and pornography addiction. Students may have technical difficulties or experience economic problems that keep them away from a constant learning program. Some kids may struggle from emotional battles due to lack of companionship, household violence, or cyberbullying. Teachers and parents should work together and supervise the class as much as possible. Helping is fundamental. However, the most challenging part is identifying the problem, as frequently, the issues aren't visible.

Guest Blogger

Jessica Chapman is a Chicago-based writer and editor working at custom essay. Jessica is also a school and college advisor for various local institutions. She loves to help students reach their goals and overcome problems. In her leisure time, Jessica likes to play sports and take long walks with her dog.