9 Mental Roadblocks That Hinder The eLearning Experience Of Your Online Learners

9 Mental Roadblocks That Hinder The eLearning Experience Of Your Online Learners
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Summary: Emotional and psychological issues have a direct impact on the eLearning experience. In this article, I’ll share 9 mental hurdles that online learners must overcome to reap the rewards of your eLearning course.

What Hinders The eLearning Experience Of Your Online Learners: 9 Mental Roadblocks To Overcome

Learning is a holistic endeavor. Everything from mental to physical factors come into play. Thus, eLearning professionals must consider their audience’s psychological state when developing eLearning courses. Namely, the obstacles that prevent knowledge absorption and negatively impact the overall eLearning conditions. Here are 9 mental roadblocks that stand between your online learners and a successful eLearning experience.

1. Stress

Stress triggers a variety of physiological responses that hinder the learning process. The brain feels burdened and overworked, which leaves little room for knowledge assimilation. In some cases, there may even be a fight or flight response that prompts online learners to go into survival mode. As such, they are too busy trying to balance their adrenaline and cortisol levels to focus on the task at hand. Another negative side effect of stress is that it leaves a negative impression on the online learners’ minds. They associate the eLearning experience with a stressful event instead of positive emotions. The key is to destress online learners by offering continual support.

2. Fear Of Failure

Some online learners are so afraid to fail that they don’t even try, or they are unable to take risks that lead to meaningful change. For example, an online learner is too terrified of disappointing themselves or others that they avoid challenging eLearning activities even though they would benefit from mistake-driven learning opportunities and improve their performance. For this reason, it’s essential to provide constructive feedback and personalized praise. Let online learners know that there’s nothing to fear, except missing out on the chance to expand their knowledge.

3. Distrust

Some online learners enter the eLearning environment with a general lack of trust. Maybe they’ve participated in disappointing eLearning courses in the past or they are unfamiliar with your brand. This distrust prevents them from diving into the eLearning content and getting the most from the eLearning experience. Instead, they spend most of the time trying to gauge the eLearning content’s credibility or judging the subject matter’s viability. Be completely transparent about the learning objectives and your credentials. Build trust with online learners by giving them valuable information that suits their needs, as well as interacting with them outside the learning environment. For example, start a social media group or online discussion.

4. Lack Of Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is a crucial ingredient for effective learning. Online learners who lack the necessary confidence are afraid that they won’t “stack-up” against their peers or that they won’t be able to complete the eLearning course and achieve their goals. One of the best ways to build their self-confidence is to personalize the process. Give them control of the eLearning experience and encourage them to set manageable milestones, thereby increasing motivation and putting them in charge of their own personal development.

5. Personal Cognitions

Opinions, assumptions, and personal beliefs shape who online learners are and what they stand for. But they can also stand in the way of meaningful eLearning experiences. For example, an online learner is so convinced that they know everything about the topic that they don’t even participate. Encourage online learners to challenge their assumptions with thought-provoking questions. Include eLearning activities that facilitate personal reflection, such as simulations and branching scenarios, wherein they can evaluate their performance and identify strengths and weaknesses.

6. Mental Fatigue

Mental burnout often contributes to cognitive overload and makes online learners feel as though they’re fighting an uphill battle. They’re unable to absorb information because their minds are simply too tired to focus. Therefore, you should give them frequent mental breaks where they can relax and unwind before moving onto the next eLearning activity. For instance, a few minutes after a challenging branching scenario that allows online learners to step away from the eLearning environment.

7. Lack Of Motivation

Not everyone has an ample supply of intrinsic motivation. In fact, certain online learners may be so unmotivated that they go through the motions without even absorbing the information. You must figure out what makes your online learners tick and drives them to do their best. Conduct online surveys and analyze LMS metrics to learn as much you can. Then incorporate game mechanics to engage and inspire them.

8. Negativity

There are those who always see the glass as half empty. It may simply be their permanent state of mind or they are experiencing a temporary rough patch. Whatever the case, their negativity prevents them from truly enjoying the eLearning experience and getting what they need from the eLearning content. A possible solution is to create a positive learning environment that balances their mood. For instance, using colors that calm and inspire, or images that serve as a source of motivation.

9. Inability To See The Real-World Benefits

Last but not least, some online learners are simply unable to see the benefits of active participation. Even if the online training is mandatory, these individuals are less likely to engage because they don’t see any reason or practical rewards. In which case, you must address the “what’s in it for me” conundrum. Specify what online learners can achieve and how it ties into the real world, such as how they can overcome a common problem or improve their work performance.

Every online learner must content with mental roadblocks from time to time. Their personal lives, professional commitments, and backgrounds often dictate what these obstacles are. This is why it’s crucial to research your audience and identify their specific needs. You might also consider a more flexible schedule so that they can learn when it’s most convenient and when the mental hurdles are less intrusive. For example, things may not go according to plan if they access the online training material before a big meeting. Anxiety and stress are likely to become a distraction and prevent them from acquiring the information.

Is your eLearning course giving online learners what they need to achieve success on their own terms? Read the article 7 Tips To Create The Perfect eLearning Conditions to discover 7 top tips to help you develop the ideal setting for your eLearning course.