Interface adjustment
Whenever you opt for a distance-learning or online education course or a diploma, the first hurdle to cross can be a steep one for some – getting to manage the learning software. Some people have less familiarity with computers and software in general, and Internet software is also an interface that requires time in order to get used to it.

What you need to do:
 As soon as your institute gives you access to their student area, you should login and start exploring every link. As you repeat this exercise over and over again, you create a mind-map of the interface. It will seem difficult at first, and the new terms for different sections of different courses will take some time for familiarity but if you try to be patient you will be able to concentrate more, and in time you will have no trouble with the interface.

Internet speed

One important technical requirement for any e-learning module is Internet connectivity and speed. If you still use dial-up services, it is possible that you have bad connections and Internet disconnections that cause a lot of unneeded anxiety and frustration.

What you need to do:
 Call your local internet service provider (ISP) and try to get a high-speed DSL or T1 connection. Try to ensure you get the best speed when you do a cost-benefit analysis and try not to opt for cheaper services, as the bandwidth for these packages tends to be congested – especially around peak timings. Also, consider upgrading your computer hardware and operating system in order to avoid computer-related issues that cause the screen to freeze (happens when you use a high-speed Internet connection to access ‘rich’ websites and the computer’s processing speed is not enough to handle too much incoming data).

Lack of social interaction

The biggest obstacle, however, is the lack of social interaction. The student receiving education in an online medium can get frustrated when the instructor is not available on demand, and is further demotivated because (s)he can’t communicate with other students taking the same course (since each student takes classes at his/her own pace).

What you need to do:
Create or join communities around the subject matter of the course you have trouble with. Reddit, Digg, Propeller, Fark, Slashdot, Metalifter, Mixx, Linkfilter, Newscloud, Plime, Kirsty, Nowpublic, Searchles, and StumbleUpon, are some channels that are useful for interaction around specific topics, in addition to popular channels such as Facebook, Twitter or Myspace. Explore blogs, wikis and forums, and participate actively in order to drive  your learning.

Lack of motivation

Last but not least, motivation is a key driving force when you learn at your own pace – unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits fall behind their expected time for completion of a course.

What you need to do:
 Make a list of reasons why you decided to enroll in the course of your choice. Split the list into ‘general’ reasons and more specific reasons such as, why you chose the major. Once you’ve compiled a comprehensive list, mark the priority for each reason between ‘1’ and ‘4’ – 1 being the highest priority and 4 being the lowest. Sort the list by priority and pin the sheet of paper next to your screen so that you can remind yourself each time you feel demotivated. Moreover, create a to-do list for yourself using Post-its or Google Calendar (or whatever you prefer) each time you sit down to study, so that you have a direction and purpose for each study session.

E-learning or online education has numerous advantages such as working at your own pace, reducing travel costs, flexibility to join courses of your choice, and development of computer/Internet skills that are transferrable to other facets of life. But it is important to note the difficulties people face and know how to counter them in order to conquer this domain, enhancing your own learning and self-confidence at the same time.