The Challenges of Online Teaching: What You Need to Know

Online teaching has become a necessity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Learn what you need to know about managing teaching time, course redesigns, and student access.

The Challenges of Online Teaching: What You Need to Know

Online teaching has become a necessity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest issues is that much of the learning is done asynchronously, which can lead to students feeling disconnected from their instructor and peers. Without the hustle and bustle of the classroom and the company of their peers, it's no surprise that some students may begin to feel a strong sense of isolation that slowly erodes their desire to learn. In addition, managing teaching time can be difficult.

Students are likely to have more consultations, which will take up much of their office hours and other time. To help with this, teachers can use tools like Kritik, which simplifies the workflow and saves them time. Kritik also uses accurate and quality peer review, which can save teachers more than 100 hours per quarter in grading. When transitioning to an online course, it's important to reimagine course objectives, activities, and evaluations.

This redesign can be especially successful when started well before the course start date and in consultation with an instructional designer. It's also important to consider the unique characteristics of an online course, such as its asynchronous nature, lack of visual and verbal cues, etc., when designing objectives, activities, and assessments. Finally, there are challenges related to students who don't have devices for online learning or reliable access to the Internet. In addition, students should understand online communication etiquette and know the rights and responsibilities of students in an online learning environment. This redesign can be especially successful when started well before the course start date and in consultation with an instructional designer. It's also important to consider the unique characteristics of an online course, such as its asynchronous nature, lack of visual and verbal cues, etc., when designing objectives, activities, and assessments. Finally, there are challenges related to students who don't have devices for online learning or reliable access to the Internet. In addition, students should understand online communication etiquette and know the rights and responsibilities of students in an online learning environment. . It's also important to consider the unique characteristics of an online course, such as its asynchronous nature, lack of visual and verbal cues, etc., when designing objectives, activities, and assessments. Finally, there are challenges related to students who don't have devices for online learning or reliable access to the Internet. In addition, students should understand online communication etiquette and know the rights and responsibilities of students in an online learning environment. This redesign can be especially successful when started well before the course start date and in consultation with an instructional designer. It's also important to consider the unique characteristics of an online course, such as its asynchronous nature, lack of visual and verbal cues, etc., when designing objectives, activities, and assessments. Finally, there are challenges related to students who don't have devices for online learning or reliable access to the Internet. In addition, students should understand online communication etiquette and know the rights and responsibilities of students in an online learning environment.

It has been a difficult period for all teachers around the world as they adjust to teaching remotely. With the right tools and strategies in place, however, teachers can successfully navigate these challenges and ensure their students have a positive learning experience.

Dr. Adrian Loxley
Dr. Adrian Loxley

The Mathematical Pedagogue–StrategistA hybrid identity: part mathematics educator, part tutoring-industry expert, part explainer of tricky numerical ideas. Dr. Loxley embodies clarity, structure, and real-world practicality—guiding students, parents, and tutors with equal fluency.Background:Dr. Adrian Loxley is a former UK secondary mathematics teacher turned university lecturer in Mathematics Education. He has specialised for over 15 years in:• math pedagogy & curriculum design• tutoring methodology and student diagnostics• cognitive strategies for mathematical understanding• online tutoring technologies• business development for independent tutorsHe also consults for EdTech companies on online learning frameworks, making him uniquely positioned to explain how tutoring works, how tutors earn, which platforms are best, and why tutoring boosts performance.Adrian’s writing style is structured, calm, and highly practical, often breaking down complex math or business concepts into digestible, confidence-building steps.Tone Signature:Clear, encouraging, numerically precise, grounded in pedagogy and real-world tutoring experience.