Student-Teacher Issues

Attendance

Problem : An instructor cannot see the students in an online class, so there might be a problem of attendance. Some students login and then go away. This way the teacher doesn't know if the Student attended the class or not.

Preventive measures : inform students on the importance of attendance and consequences of not attending it regularly.

Possible Solutions : In an online class, make sure to keep on checking regularly if the students are attentive by asking them to draw something or write something. This way teacher would know if all students are mentally and physically present or not.

Resources & support available : A teacher can use a number of online tools in between the class - like exit tickets, chat feature, note-pad, etc. Use online attendance sheets everyday where students are required to sign-in.

Completion of Assignments

Problem : Sometimes a student might face a number of problems while completing the assignments - having not completely understood hoe to do it, having less time, unable to do it because of some urgent situation, facing technical issues, etc.

Preventive measures : Give well-defined and clear instructions on how to do an assignment and regularly checking email.

Possible Solutions : Providing students with flexible modes of expression and time-line in case of an emergency situation. Explain them clearly on how to complete that assignment with video tutorials whenever required.

Resources & support available : Regular check with the students on how they are working, video tutorials on how to do the work, etc. This resource can also be helpful - https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-keys-successful-homework-assignments-during-remote-learning

Discipline

Problem : There might be some discipline problems in an online classroom like in a traditional classroom. Some students might cause problems in an online class - disrupting the class, cheating in an online exam, using foul language, bullying other students, etc

Preventive measures : To avoid these problem it's very important to clearly state the expectations before staring the online course. Students should know the repercussions of their mis-behaviour

Possible Solutions : Set a daily routine and follow it everyday, stay organized and make the class engaging for them to avoid any type of distractions.

Resources & support available : Communicate regularly with students and provide group activities that they enjoy doing. This is a good resource for students - http://bweducation.businessworld.in/article/How-To-Maintain-Discipline-In-Online-Learning-Environment/02-05-2020-190882/

Group Work

Problem : While doing a group activity, some students might face difficulty in working with a particular student, some students like working alone. There might be communication problems among different members of a group also.

Preventive measures : Allot groups according to student's readiness levels and convey the expectations of the group task very clearly.

Possible Solutions : Communicate regularly with the students to know any potential problems that they are experiencing and try to limit group size.

Resources & support available : This is a good resource for students to do effective group work - https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/group-projects-online-college-class/

Management of documents, handouts and student files

Problem : Handling of numerous documents and files can be tedious and time-consuming job for students.

Preventive measures : Managing the information on a regular basis with the help of resources & support provided.

Possible solutions : Use of data storage tools and apps like google docs, padlet, prezi, etc. and to go through the resources given to them.

Resources & Support available : Videos made by instructor to let students know how can they safely manage their files and information on a daily basis. These resources are also very helpful: https://blogs.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/how-to-organize-manage-your-e-learning-course-files/ https://tlp-lpa.ca/digital-skills/file-management

Safety on the Internet

Problem : Students might be unaware of the serious problems that can arise while using internet like cyber-bullying, downloading corrupted files, talking to a stranger, etc.

Preventive measures : Inform students about the safe practices before the starting of the course by making a video or sharing some useful articles/websites

Possible solutions : Make sure students have installed latest antivirus and know about the safe practices and how to deal with safety problems.

Plagiarism/Copyright

Problem : Plaigiarism means using someone's else text without attribution. It is a legal crime in many countries. Therefore students must be aware of this as they might unintentionally do it.

Preventive measures : Inform students about the consequences of plagiarism before beginning the course. Always encourage students to write a reference in their work.

Possible Solutions : There are many apps and online tools that can detect the plagiarism. Ask questions if any doubts. Also, as the course progresses you will find out if the work is authentic or not.

Resources & Support available : Following are some useful resources on how to understand & avoid plagiarism - https://www.onlineeducation.com/guide/understanding-and-avoiding-plagiarism https://insider.fiu.edu/plagiarism-online-courses/

Netiquette

Problem : Netiquette refers to being courteous and polite in an online communication. Students might forget that whatever they are writing in the course as a comment or a discussion is read by a person who might not be in the same mental state as them, so it's extremely important to follow netiquettes like no joking, no abbreviations, be to the point and formal, etc.

Preventive measures : Make students aware of some basic netiquette before starting the course by sharing some resources with them.

Possible solutions : Practicing netiquette with students as an instructor so that they already know of what is expected from them. Also, share some videos that explains various types of netiquette and why it's important to use them

Flaming/Cyberbullying

Problem : Cyberbullying refers to sending or sharing harmful messages or comments about another person and is intended to hurt someone's feelings. Students who are unaware might be bullied or bully another person without knowing the repercussions of it.

Preventive measure : It can be prevented by being a role model and modelling a right example to students. Share some resources and videos with students explaining them its meaning and how to fight it back if it happens to them.

Possible solutions : Be aware at all times and check if a student is undergoing cyber-bullying. If someone is experiencing it, immediately offer helps and guide on how to proceed further.

Resources and support available : These are some amazing websites and resources that explain the meaning, symptoms, and impacts of cyberbullying : https://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/cyber-bullying. https://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying