THE PROBLEMS FACED BY BEGINNING ONLINE LEARNERS

INTRODUCTION Distance education or distance learning is a process to create and provide access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both. Desmond Keegan (1995) says that distance education and training result from the technological separation of teacher and learner which frees the student from the necessity of traveling to a fixed place, at a fixed time, to meet a fixed person, in order to be trained. Suited to distance learning, one of its blended learning approach is online learning methodologies which is include virtual classroom,web based-learning and computer based-learning. The information and communication systems through online learning serve as specific and essential media to implement the learning process and for reference. Online learning processes however require high commitment from the learner especially for the beginning online distance learner. Despite of advantages of online learning which are flexible and it doesn't constraint learner's time and place, there are problems which still need to be faced at the beginning online learning. Dealing with some obstacles during the online learning process can be very challenging therefore we should define the difficulties and problems in order to determine the best and possible solution for it.

BODY OF CONTENT The first problem faced by most of beginning online leaner is the time management. Hardy and Boaz (1997) found that compared to most face-to-face learning environments, distance learning requires students to be more focused, better time managers, and to be able to work independently and with group members. Most of the students of online distance learning are already have a job and family. It is quite challenging in managing time between study, work and family. Besides that, there are some distractions that will contribute in time insufficientness such as friends asking for night supper or spending a lot of time shopping at the mall. Poor time management will causes a stress and anxiety especially during completing assignment when the

time is about to due and of course without productive time management, learner's academic performance will be affected. Therefore, in order to overcome this challenge, the beginning online learners have to apply smart time management. They should start planning before the learning begins and stay with the plan until the goal has been accomplished. In addition, prioritise the task that need to done also will give students a clear picture of what things they should do first. Productive time management will allow online learners to have enough time to complete their courses on time.They also should know to diffrentiate between learning productively or just wasting their time. The most important is online learners must become aware of how they spend their time. The second difficulty for online distance learner is lack of certain skills and knowledge especially in information technology. As we know the main platform for information and communication flow in online distance learning is technology. However, not all of student posses the requirement skills such as accessing and downloading course materials, reading announcements, participating in online discussions and chats, taking online tests, and using the digital drop box to submit assignments. Besides that, some universities that provide Library database program such as the OPAC will also require the students to have proper training and skills in order to maximize the usage. Unlike studying in traditional university which is face-toface learning environment, online distance leaner might feel dissatisfaction using this learning method because of the instructor or classmate isn't nearby the learner to give instant feedback on learning issues and lacking of the computer skills and accessing course online knowledge will add more problems to the students. The website for Western Gorvernor's University (http://www.wgu.edu/) comments, you may be dissatified with the amount of feedback you receive in a distance-delivered class....Because of the distance, and sometimes, time, separating you from your instructor,it can be difficult for instructor to provide feedback quickly and fequently. The best solution for this problem, online learners should prepare themselves by learning some basic skills of computer and improve a knowledge about information technology. Besides that, online learner must get ready all the electronic equipment, such as computers, printers, scanner and internet access before online learning starts in order to avoid distraction that will cause of delay on doing assignmet or late on getting the announcements and make sure that all the equipments function properly. However, some institutions provides support for online learners in coping with accessing course and find a good references. For example, Open

University Malaysia (OUM) provides a module, digital library and teaching the students on how to access the course and finding reference easily. By mastered the necessary skills in online learning, students will have no problems to cope in online distance learning. The third challenge for online distance learning is maintaining self-discipline and self-motivated. The website for Western Governors University (http://www.wgu.edu/) also comments that, because you won't be sitting in a classroom on a regular basis and won't have your instructor or classmates nearby to remind you of assignments, you must be fairly selfdirected and conscientious about completing assignments to succed in a distance-delivered class. As an online distance learner ,the difficulty to be independent learner and being resposibilty towards learning sometimes can be very challenging to handle. Because of the most of the time learners are isolated from peers and tutors therefore, there is no learning community around to monitor students learning process or remind them of completing the assignment or get prepared for the exam. Eventhough, the students have fully freedom to their learning, procrastination is one the major factor to distract student's learning. Such as do not have enough time, lazy, too many works to be done are among of the reasons given by students in order to avoid study. Sometimes the learner's self-motivational towards learning drop due to lack of immediate support from tutors, friends and family will also affect the leaners. Poor concentration in learning also will make the students act irresponsibly towards their learning. This problem needs to be solved by having a positive attitude and high selfdirected towards learning. Setting achievable goals sometimes motivate online leaners and let them stick with the plan. Besides that, procrastination must be avoided in order to be punctual in completing the daily schedule on time. Since there is no one checking if the studies are done on time, you must be self-discipline and always accessing course online to interact and having a disscussion with others peers in a virtual classroom. Student's engagement in an online community enables them to share tacit knowledge and increase individual effectiveness (Kaplan, 2008). However, maintaining and increasing self-discipline and self-motivated must be continuously. CONCLUSION In a conclusion, facing some problems and obstacles are normal stage for the beginning online learner. In order to face all the dificulties, responsibility and stay focused towards learning is very importantr. It often requires a high degree of commitment on the part of

the learner. To be successful, beginning online learners have to overcome all the challenges if not they will cannot complete their courses properly as a result they will be more stress and affects their learning progress. The be successful student needs to have a number of characteristics such as tolerance for ambiguity, a need for autonomy, and an ability to be flexible (Threkeld & Brzoska, 1994)