# data[].attributes.body
1) Digital Learning Tools / Environment

New digital tools & unfamiliarity, learning curve

Navigating the online platform

Frustration and reduces engagement when user can't use tools or navigate

Too many logins / passwords

Security fears - malware / viruses

Students might be intimidated by the institutional context

Many learners experience stress and the sensation of being overwhelmed

Increasing pressure and stress in fast-paced learning environments (assembly line pedagogy?)

Learners want to be effective within constraints. How can we find the best balance by using an intuitive tool and be effective?

Teachers/Online facilitators and peers may not be aware of (invisible) emotions, fears, and challenges experienced by other learners

2) Personal Circumstances

Physical Disabilities - sight/hearing

Learning Disabilities

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Which discipline is being learned

Age group

3) Social/Geographic/Cultural

Internet access

Costs

Availability of hardware - mobile phones, tablets, desktops

Time zone differences

Learners from different cultural backgrounds may have different expectations and preferences (or fears) when sharing information & participating.

The notion of ‘privacy’ might (culturally and individually) be defined in different terms.

4) Institutional Environment

Fear of employers / university / school being party to what is discussed or posted online

Privacy issues

Bluring of professional and social aspects online

Am i being watched ?

5) Group / Class Dynamics

Participants from different disciplines, backgrounds, cultures.

Participants with different goals.

"The quiet group" - what to do?

The "unorganized group"

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1) Ragavan, S. O., Kandathil, J. V., & Vishnu, S. (2022). Digital competence of higher education learners in the context of COVID-19 triggered online learning. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 100320.
2) Pettersson, F. (2018). On the issues of digital competence in educational contexts–a review of literature. Education and information technologies, 23(3), 1005-1021
3)Spante, M., Hashemi, S. S., Lundin, M., & Algers, A. (2018). Digital competence and digital literacy in higher education research: Systematic review of concept use. Cogent Education, 5(1), 1519143.
4) Zhao, Y., Sánchez Gómez, M. C., Pinto Llorente, A. M., & Zhao, L. (2021). Digital competence in higher education: Students’ perception and personal factors. Sustainability, 13(21), 12184.
5) Sathyan, A. R., Funk, C., Sam, A. S., Radhakrishnan, A., Ragavan, S. O., Kandathil, J. V., & Vishnu, S. (2022). Digital competence of higher education learners in the context of COVID-19 triggered online learning. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 100320.

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Offering sufficient support to help learners overcome the sensation of being overwhelmed – Example: teachers and facilitators can offer a feedback form inviting students to inform the teacher of possible learning difficulties and other challenges

Transparency regarding tasks, learning outcomes and goals (one easy-to-navigate learning platform/environment per course)

Maintaining good learner guidance by designing a logical course storyboard, including a regular structure regarding team meetings, tasks, and deadlines

Requiring a manageable workload, e.g. three goals and outcomes for the week

Accommodating students by openly addressing common challenges regarding online learning, such as related to technical support, navigation, digital literacy

Aiming for greater flexibility in accepting different learner preferences while also encouraging learners to face challenges and thus gain empowering learning experiences

Addressing individual learner needs and providing individual study arrangements for learners with difficulties (e.g. ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, narcolepsy)

Creating a supportive atmosphere from the start (learners might be intimidated by the institutional context)

Setting transparent parameters and providing safety in the parameters (code of conduct)

Organizing small teams to allow for good team support

Importance of online socialization (regardless of age, particularly important at the beginning of a course)

# data[].attributes.body
1. Learning Environment

2. Personal Circumstances

3. Social Enviroment

4. Group / Class Dynamics

5. Institution Environment

6. Geographical Issues

7. Cultural Issues

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Key words from the scenario of TOPIC 1

just signed up
online course
excited
little experience
challenging
connect
new sites and tools
other participants will be more experienced
feel stupid asking
feels a bit scary
here, in the open?
keep my private life separate
use all kinds of tools and resources