Gravitating from traditional in-person courses to an online format can be intimidating for colleges. That’s because it’s not just about uploading lecture slides and hoping for the best. Many colleges and universities already offered distance learning options online. However, the shift to online education has been accelerated by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, many institutions still make critical mistakes that dent the quality of the student experience.
Avoiding these common pitfalls can make the difference between a successful online program and one that leaves students frustrated and disengaged. In our discussions below, we’ll highlight some of the biggest mistakes colleges make when moving courses online—and how they can avoid them to create an enriching learning environment.
Overlooking the Importance of User Experience (UX)
When colleges move courses online, they’re often preoccupied on the content—what’s being taught—without considering the user experience. A common mistake is not investing enough in making the online learning platform intuitive and easy to navigate. When students grapple with finding the materials they need, it can create unnecessary frustration, leading to disengagement and eventually a drop in performance.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
One university I worked with in the past had a learning management system (LMS) that was clunky, difficult to navigate, and filled with unnecessary clicks to get from one module to another. Students often found themselves spending more time figuring out the technology than engaging with the content. And that’s where colleges can lose students even before they get started.
THE SOLUTION
Invest in a clean, simple design for your online platform that prioritizes ease of use. Tools like Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle are great for this, but it’s essential to ensure the design works well for students at all levels of tech proficiency. A good online platform should enable quick access to course materials, grades, discussion boards, and assignments. Adding elements like a straightforward calendar, organized modules, and clear instructions for assignments can help students feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
And it works! With over 1+ million alumni, and counting, The University of Phoenix is one example of a college that has refined its online learning experience to ensure that users, both students and instructors, have a smooth and intuitive experience. This is just one example of a user-centered design that works.
Failing to Foster Engagement and Community
A major challenge to moving courses online is maintaining the same level of engagement that a traditional classroom setting offers. Simply recording lectures and posting them online isn’t enough to create an active and vibrant learning environment. Students need opportunities for interaction—both with their peers and their instructors—to stay motivated and connected.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
Many online courses are just “one-way” streams of information where students watch videos or read materials but don’t interact much with others. I’ve seen students complain about feeling isolated in these environments. Without interaction, students can lose their sense of community, leading to lower motivation and poor retention rates.
THE SOLUTION
To build engagement and a sense of community, colleges should integrate collaborative activities, like group projects, discussion forums, and live sessions, into their online curriculums. Tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are indispensable for creating opportunities for real-time interaction. But even simple, asynchronous activities like peer-reviewed assignments or weekly reflection posts can foster a sense of belonging.
In my own experience, I’ve seen students who would have otherwise disengaged from an online course become energized after partaking in a live Q&A session or collaborating on a group assignment. These small interactions make a vast difference in keeping students invested in their education.
When it comes to engaging with its virtual student body, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is known for its strong focus on community in online learning. They offer multiple ways for students to interact, including museum tours, virtual workout sessions, live webinars, peer discussion groups, and virtual office hours with instructors. Their online student portal is a great example of how to build community in an online learning environment.
Ignoring the Need for Support and Resources
When colleges move courses online, they often assume that students can succeed without the same level of support they would get in an on-campus environment. In the physical classroom, students have access to office hours, libraries, and academic resources like tutoring and study groups. When courses go online, these services need to be reimagined for the virtual space. Failing to offer sufficient support is one of the most significant barriers to student success in online education.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
One issue I’ve encountered firsthand is the scarcity of easily accessible support. Students would often send emails to professors with questions about course materials, but would receive delayed responses. In some cases, no response came at all! This left students feeling lost, especially when they were trying to comprehend difficult material and had no clear way to get help.
THE SOLUTION
Colleges need to be proactive in offering support services online. This includes things like virtual office hours, tutoring services, tech support, and counseling. But it’s not just about making these services available—it’s about ensuring students know how to access them and feel comfortable doing so. Clear communication about available resources and a personalized, human touch are key.
I’ve seen programs where instructors use “virtual office hours” via Zoom, offering students the chance to ask questions in real time. Having these options in place gives students the support they need to succeed in an online environment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Harvard University took proactive steps to ensure that students didn’t feel isolated or unsupported. They launched a series of virtual support resources for everything from academic help to mental health services, which helped students stay engaged and succeed despite the shift to remote learning. This type of support makes a huge difference in keeping students from falling behind.
Final Thoughts: Best Practices for a Successful Online Transition
As colleges continue to expand their online offerings, the key to success lies in paying attention to both the technical and human elements of the experience. Investing in user-friendly technology, promoting student engagement, and offering ample support are all critical factors that can make or break an online course. The transition may be challenging, but by learning from these mistakes and implementing these solutions, colleges can create an environment where students thrive, no matter where they are.
Remember, online education isn’t just about moving courses online—it’s about creating an environment where students can learn, engage, and grow. With the right tools, strategies, and mindset, any institution can successfully navigate the online education landscape.
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