Many institutions that offer online learning, do so in a condensed format. Courses that normally would be 12 weeks are offered in 10, 8, or sometimes even 6 weeks. This means that students cannot afford to get behind or to allow the stress to get the better of them.
Stress in a Distance Education Student's Life
According to the American Institute of Stress, "increased stress increases productivity – up to a point, after which things rapidly deteriorate." The point at which it does so differs from person to person. Therefore, at least to some degree, stress can work in the favor of the online student who finds pressure to keep up with a fast moving course in order to successfully complete a degree.
The problem, however, is when stress becomes too great. For online students, who are typically enrolled in an Internet course due to their busy work and family schedules, there are many factors potentially coming together in a very short time that could result in a person's breaking point.
Preparing for Potential Challenges in an Internet-Based Class
Beginning with a realistic picture of online learning is a good way to prepare for the potential stress of an online course. Potential students should talk to veterans of online learning and those who are already enrolled in a program should take the time to review a syllabus at the start of each term.
Assessing the right time for a course is important. For example, if one is preparing for a major surgery, which is already a stressful situation, a break in online learning may be advisable. Also, students should consider whether taking an online course in a subject they strongly dislike is a better decision than being in a traditional course with stronger supports.
Three Tips for Handling Stress in an Online Educational Environment
WebMD writers note that while stress is a fact of life, learning to cope is a significant step to a happier, healthier life. Three significant steps one can take to handle stress in an online course include:
- Create a support system of family and friends
- Budget time and do not indulge procrastination tendencies
- Keep open communication with the class instructor
Seeking a Life Line When Online Learning Becomes Overwhelming
Students should stay alert to signs that they are being overwhelmed. Asking friends and family to be observant of this also will help.
Here are a few things to look for:
- Problems sleeping
- Avoidance of online classes
- Falling behind in work
- Becoming impatient and/or short tempered
The important thing is to address stress before it becomes a serious problem, which can mean financial and academic challenges (and thus an increase in stress). Therefore, consider the following suggestions for keeping stress within a range that can be handled in a positive manner:
- Do not cut down on sleep (the temptation will be there, but ultimately this is among the worst things a person can do).
- Continue to eat right.
- Maintain a support system, which includes friends, family, and, if possible, at least one fellow classmate.
- Keep open communication with instructors and/or others at the institution being attended.
- Create a schedule for the week and stick to it.
- Consider taking extremely challenging classes (or those in subject matters completely new to the student) in a face-to-face course.
Stress Management as the Key to Academic Success
Success is a part of life and certainly for the online student who is trying to balance life with education it can be very intense. The goal is for students to effectively manage it, so that they do not become overwhelmed.
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