While technology creates opportunities for online education, it also creates problems. Software crashes during instruction, Internet failure and other technological glitches interfere with the learning process.
Lack of reliable Internet access, common to rural areas, excludes some students from taking online classes since all coursework is retrieved and submitted via the Internet.
Social isolation is inherent in online coursework. Students with weak computer skills, study skills and self-motivation are likely to struggle, drop out or fail in an online learning environment.
Some students believe that they will have the same face to face access to their online instructors as they would if they took a regular class. Unless the class is a hybrid, students will not meet their instructors in person, ever.
A "student must be well organized, self-motivated, and possess a high degree of time management skills," states a report by the University of Illinois titled Weakness of Online Learning. If seeking positive feedback and approval, skip online courses.
Online learning is student-centered and opens the educational door to students who otherwise might not attend school. With Internet access and a computer, students can complete work at their convenience.