Does eLearning Negatively Affect Trainees' Mental Health?
In recent years, most of us have leveraged the opportunity to learn something from home at a pace and schedule that suits us with the help of eLearning. However, we often forget about trainee anxiety, which is something that goes unnoticed. Some people find online courses overwhelming, whether because they are expected to use complex platforms or deal with distractions and information overload. All these can create stress, which, unfortunately, impacts learning outcomes. As a result, our brains enter survival mode, making it difficult to focus, retain information, and use our skills effectively. So, let's explore trainee anxiety and see the causes and what you can do to mitigate it.
Types Of Anxiety In eLearning
Performance Anxiety
Lots of people feel nervous about how they perform, especially when everything depends on what they do online. It's like they put pressure on themselves to do well, but without the usual help from their teacher or other students. And when their progress is tracked digitally, it can just make things even more stressful.
Technological Uncertainty
Technological uncertainty is the feeling that learners will not figure out how to behave in an online learning environment. They might worry about things like how to submit their assignments or if their internet crashes during a lecture. Also, many are those who have a hard time understanding how to use platforms and tools at first, which makes them extra nervous, especially if there isn't enough support.
Social Anxiety
When people participate in online learning, group projects and online discussions might make them anxious. It's natural to feel unsure about sharing their thoughts or working with classmates they haven't met in person yet. Some might even worry about whether their ideas will be appreciated or accepted.
Time Management Stress
Finding the right balance between online studying, work, family, and personal time can be challenging, leading learners to procrastinate. The tasks can seem never-ending, making it difficult to take a break without feeling guilty, as there is always something else that needs to be done. After all, the flexibility of eLearning brings the responsibility of time management, too.
What Triggers Trainee Anxiety?
Lack Of Technical Skills
Most people have felt a bit nervous or intimidated by technology. With all the constant updates and new apps popping up, it's not uncommon to feel unsure about how to use new devices. But don't worry; even tech-savvy people can feel uncertain when faced with the unknown. And when it comes to eLearning platforms, it's overwhelming to navigate through websites with bad interfaces, lots of buttons, and menus. This results in learners viewing the online learning experience as a stressful process rather than a beneficial one.
No Physical Interaction
In a traditional classroom, learners receive immediate feedback. They can easily ask for help from their classmates or instructors and even engage in discussions. However, in eLearning, these types of interactions are rare. Learners may feel hesitant to ask questions via email or discussion forums, thinking that their questions aren't important. Additionally, the wait time for a response can be longer than expected, which is disappointing when they're excited to continue their learning journey. All of these factors can contribute to a feeling of disconnection from the learning process and a sense that they're missing out on valuable information.
Information Overload
Imagine learners logging into their eLearning platform and finding endless pieces of content—videos, articles, and quizzes. This information overload can quickly overwhelm them and cause them to struggle to process and retain all the data they see on their screens. In combination with the lack of strict schedules and deadlines, it can be disastrous. The main danger is procrastination. With all this content and no one to check it, they fall into the trap of leaving everything for later. This results in them having to process an even bigger amount of content than before, losing all their interest.
Unclear Expectations
Taking an online course can be nerve-wracking when you're not sure what your instructor wants. This is a common trigger of anxiety among eLearners. When they don't have clear goals, it's hard to stay focused and prioritize their efforts. This leads to frustration and feeling lost. It's also common for students to be confused about how their assignments will be graded. They may think they did well, but then they get feedback that leaves them wondering. When they don't have a clear picture of how their work is evaluated, they often have second thoughts and always fear they're failing.
How To Overcome Trainee Anxiety
Technical Support
When it comes to eLearning, having access to technical support is a must. It's like having a friendly guide to turn to when you're feeling lost or confused. Technical support can help with all sorts of issues, from fixing software glitches to resetting passwords, making learners feel less stressed. But it's not just about getting help when they need it. It's also about feeling confident enough to tackle problems on their own. That's why it's important to provide learners with training and resources that equip them with the skills to troubleshoot themselves.
Virtual Interactions
One of the best ways to tackle trainee anxiety is by communicating with instructors and classmates in real time. Whether it's through videoconferencing platforms, collaborative tools, or discussion forums, these virtual chats help learners feel like they belong and are part of a team. When they log in to a live virtual classroom session and see familiar faces, it's easier to relate to the content, and they feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Plus, with group projects and virtual study groups, they build relationships with their peers that go beyond the classroom.
Microlearning
Microlearning involves dividing lessons into smaller and more easily digestible parts. These modules are typically less than 15 minutes long and deliver information in an approachable way. But how does microlearning minimize training anxiety? By breaking content down into smaller sections, learners can focus on one piece at a time, making tasks feel more possible. Since learning is most effective when done step by step, smaller bits of knowledge allow learners to fully grasp complex concepts before moving on to the next. This approach also helps learners track their progress easily, which can increase their motivation and confidence.
Feedback
In eLearning, feedback can come in many forms, like comments, reviews, or quizzes. However, it's important to do it frequently. Regular feedback helps keep learners focused, highlighting their strengths and gently telling them what they can improve. Unlike waiting for weeks to hear back after you finish a task, which can be rather stressful, eLearning platforms give fast feedback. It's also important to get encouragement. It could be a personalized message from the teacher, a virtual high-five for completing achievements, or even a supportive comment from a classmate. This builds a community feeling, removes some of the pressure, and makes learners feel supported.
Clear Expectations
Many trainees feel anxious when they're unsure of what's expected of them in a course. But there's a way to fix that: clear communication. Instructors and course designers can outline what they expect from learners right from the start. That way, they can understand what they're getting into and what they're supposed to learn. First, course designers should give a good overview of what's covered in the course and what learners should be able to do by the end of it. Then, professors should explain what trainees need to learn in each part of the modules. Therefore, learners can see how they're doing and stay motivated while also knowing what they're working toward.
Conclusion
When people take online courses, it's best to receive all the support they can get to engage with the material and connect with others. To create a supportive eLearning environment, you can help learners feel like they belong and create a sense of connection with their instructors and peers. When people feel connected, they're more likely to actively participate and engage in discussions, which can help them learn from their mistakes and gain confidence. Ultimately, a supportive eLearning environment not only alleviates stress but also encourages growth and empowers learners to reach their full potential.
