Students who enroll in online classes have the freedom to learn course material whenever it works best in their daily schedule. While this is a bonus because of the flexibility it offers, it may pose problems for those who struggle with time management. Additionally, since the learning material and activities are self-directed, a high amount of self-discipline is called for. The work ethic of some students may be challenged without the motivation of a classroom environment.
An online education generally confines students to their computers and they work in isolation. While there are virtual locations for students to communicate, such as classroom forums, the interaction is not face to face, which eliminates student-teacher interactions. Since the instruction is all given through a virtual medium, students may struggle to get a feel for the teacher's style and personality.
Students in an online class environment must demonstrate a good knowledge of the software involved in the process. Simply knowing the material no longer guarantees a good grade, as any technological issues that arise from improper usage will have a negative impact. Students must demonstrate an understanding of both the course curriculum and have the technological means to apply it.
In distance learning, possible technology failures present a whole new list of problems beyond attending class. A student's Internet connection may fail at a critical moment, resulting in a failed assignment or test. The server that hosts the online course information may crash unexpectedly, making all the required information unavailable at a time that it's sorely needed. Other considerations include extra costs to purchase required hardware or software as well as the computer proficiency to keep it running optimally.