Why Online Education Can Make Students Lazy

Online education has become more popular in recent years due to its convenience and accessibility. Students prefer online studying to avoid moving to other places, reduce tuition costs, or enjoy higher flexibility.

Although this kind of learning approach has many benefits, it doesn’t work for everyone. Some online students start slacking and falling behind in their assignments and lose motivation. But why is that so? What factors can make students lazy or less motivated in an online learning environment?

This question is worth investigating, considering that such a change happens to many young people. These are some of the main reasons students become unmotivated and lazy during online education. Being aware of such pitfalls can help them be successful with remote learning.

Lack of Structure

Young student learning with online education program

MiMaLeFi / Getty Images

Online education often lacks the rigid structure and daily routine that traditional classrooms provide. Students have fixed schedules, specific class times, and face-to-face interactions with teachers and peers in a physical classroom setting. Such a system may seem oppressive or not inclusive to some. Yet it proves to be useful in terms of enforced discipline and order.

Although an online learning environment offers higher flexibility in managing time, it also creates opportunities for procrastination and slacking. Students get lost and out of order without external help organizing their learning processes.

The lack of discipline and preparation for independent learning can lead to poor time management and a lack of structure during learning preparations. Without strict deadlines, in-class competition, and regular check-ins, students may find it easier to put off their coursework, leading to laziness.

Limited Social Interaction

Young student bored and tired browsing laptop

Veronika Viskova / Getty Images

Students can benefit from social environments or in-person learning. Such classrooms provide numerous opportunities for face-to-face interactions among peers and mentors. This communication motivates students to be more active and engaged during lessons. It also offers an additional stimulus to compete for attention, the right answers, and recognition of one’s talents.

The lack of social interactions and communication in virtual learning spaces affects students’ performances and decreases their input. In fact, the limited social engagement can create a sense of isolation among students, leaving them one-on-one with their learning insecurities, questions, and curiosity.

The lack of belonging and knowing other students can create loneliness and seclusion. Thus, with time, students feel less inclined to participate in online discussions or other teamwork activities, becoming complacent and less engaged in learning.

Lack of Focus

eclipse_images / Getty Images

Learning online requires students to have a high level of self-discipline and the ability to manage distractions effectively. However, the online environment is full of potential distractions, such as social media, digital entertainment, house chores, and other personal responsibilities.

Students may struggle to maintain their attention without a physical classroom environment to provide limited access to distractions and a focused learning atmosphere. As a result, they can’t prioritize their studies, which leads to decreased motivation and laziness.

Fortunately, technology can do good. But it also can do harm. Students can use their devices and apps to their advantage. So if you wonder how can technology be helpful in classroom and at home, you can always learn about the issue.

Multiple apps and online tools can help you stay more productive and organized in your online learning. However, finding and using those tools will take practice and knowing where to start.

Reduced Feedback and Support

milan2099 / Getty Images

In traditional classrooms, students receive immediate teacher feedback and can ask questions or seek clarification in real time. In an online setting, however, communication with instructors may be challenging. It takes more time, and it feels less personal.

This lack of immediate feedback and reduced support can hinder students’ progress and make them feel disconnected or disengaged. Without the prompt guidance, monitoring, and encouragement provided by teachers, students may lose motivation and become complacent in their studies.

Mentorship and personal connection to teachers help build students’ drive to succeed.

Technical Issues

Girl preparing presentation for climate change issues

golero / Getty Images

Online education requires students to navigate various digital tools and platforms. Technical issues, such as slow internet connection, software glitches, or difficulty accessing course materials, can lead to frustration and demotivation.

Additionally, some students may not have enough experience or tech skills to complete all their learning online. They can struggle with research, writing, citing, and debating in group chats.

This can lead to them falling behind, feeling unmotivated, or even being caught for plagiarism when they never intended to cheat in the first place.

Bottom Line: Students Have to Prepare to Succeed

adamkaz / Getty Images

Many students can thrive in online learning. They may have the discipline, skills, and mindset to succeed in independent or remote learning. However, one needs to know exactly what they are getting into before committing to this new form of education. As you can see, remote studies can have many drawbacks and pitfalls if you are not ready.

Fortunately, many challenges mentioned above can be overcome with proper support, self-discipline, and effective learning strategies. Still, you better ensure you are up for the challenge with this new form of learning.

Otherwise, you better look at the best schools around you, along with a list of small trucks for college students to help with transportation and enroll in traditional classroom learning.

This article is in partnership with A Speedy Company.