2.3 Challenges your students might face

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Whilst online courses have a lot of advantages, it is also important to point out the challenges that students might face when completing microcredentials. We will list some of them, with some possible solutions that you can implement when designing your course.

2.3.1 Time management

One of the most significant challenges in asynchronous learning environments is effective time management. Without the structure of a traditional classroom schedule, students must take greater responsibility for their own learning, which includes allocating sufficient time to engage with course materials, complete assignments, and prepare for assessments.

To prevent this, it is recommended to include a suggested timeline for completing each module and assignment. This will help student pace themselves and have a better idea if they are falling behind.

2.3.2 Feedback

Students taking microcredential courses at UiT will not receive personalised or live feedback from an instructor. This can lead to unconscious mistakes, and potentially affect their learning progression. To avoid this, you can include frequent and automated feedback, in the form of quizzes or self-marking assignments.

2.3.3 Isolation

For some students, the lack of face-to-face interaction with others can lead to feelings of isolation. This can decrease motivation and engagement, making it more challenging for students to persist through difficulties. Good pacing, suggested timelines and frequent assessments can help students stay motivated.

2.3.4 Technological hurdles

All microcredential courses at UiT will be 100% digital, which can have its own challenges ranging from navigating the learning management system (LMS), to accessing or submitting assignments. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that students have a detailed tutorial on how to use the LMS, as well as instructions in case of technical difficulties.