5 Tech Challenges Every Student Faces

Technology is an integral part of higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted the penetration even more. Although technology offers a lot of opportunities and advantages, there are also some challenges that students face. In this article, you’ll learn about the most common ones.

Digital Equity

This is probably the most significant problem for many students. Digital equity means equal access to technology. And currently, it is far from being perfect. Two major factors influence it – finance and accessibility.

Assistive technology allows students with different needs to have the same opportunities. However, such software and hardware are not available for every student in need.

The financial factor is also vital for many young adults. Not every student can buy the best laptop, and some do not have access to computers at all. Laptops are essential to make the college experience easier and more comfortable. They allow self-paced studies, convenient work on projects, and quick access to information.

For example, if a student struggles with academic writing, they can find a lot of useful resources online. You can also apply for help from professional research paper writers in a matter of seconds. Experienced authors deliver writing, editing, and proofreading assistance with all types of college papers. So you can get your text polished or delegate it all to be done from scratch. This is a significant advantage as the best research writing services offer guidance, support, and learning opportunities to students. This gives access to personalized help and provides more free time and less stress, which contributes to academic success and overall well-being.

Needless to say, without having a personal computer, students have a harder time accessing such services. Although the majority of campuses have computer classes, it is not an optimal answer to a demand. Some have to wait in queue for a long time to get to work.

Data Security

Another major concern is data security. With more and more systems and technologies implemented, the amount of personal and sensitive data shared by students also grows. The number of cyber threats also grows exponentially every year.

Universities and individuals are not always protected from data breaches, malicious software, or phishing attacks. Advanced protection measures are costly, and not every university can invest in them.

However, there are some things students can do to protect their personal information better, namely:

• Use VPN services;

• Do not use open Wi-Fi networks;

• Do not do financial operations on third-party devices (like computer class);

• Install and regularly upgrade anti-virus software;

• Never open or download shady links, apps, or programs;

• Separate personal accounts and university accounts.

Proper data security allows students to stay focused on their studies instead of worrying about breaches and malicious attacks.

Lack of Success Support Programs

Some of the higher education institutions have a harder time adjusting to the new reality, tech-savvy curriculums, and the new role of technology in general. There is a strong need for centralized and aimed IT success support programs adopted by colleges and universities.

This means:

• Easier enrollment opportunities;

• Opportunity to set and track educational goals;

• Quick IT support in case of any issues;

• Implementation of new technologies into the curriculum (like AR, VR, or Machine Learning);

• Preparation of students for future employment.

For example, the usage of AR and VR is very beneficial for some educational programs, namely for preparing pilots and surgeons. Such technologies offer a safe environment to train essential skills and prepare a young adult for a future job. Flying simulators have been used for quite some time and have proved efficient.

In the same manner, the newest technologies can be used in other programs. The main issue here is that adoption requires time, money, and adjustment of the curriculum. Another example is the usage of CAD software by future architects and designers. Not only is it practical, but also necessary for them to work successfully after graduation.

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Adaptation to Online Learning

For two years of the pandemic, online learning was not a choice but a must. The vast majority of young adults had to adjust to the new reality. Now the situation is better, and institutions are going back to traditional ways. But adaptation to online education can be challenging for many learners.

First of all, it requires reliable and functional devices, from the right smartphone to a PC. Secondly, a person needs constant and fast internet access. Thirdly, it means that students need to learn new programs, systems, and ways of interaction.

Besides that, studying from home requires stricter self-discipline, time management, and organization. Although some thrive in such conditions, others find it difficult to concentrate. And the lack of social interaction is also a major factor to consider.

Surely, you can still interact with peers online, but it is not the same as offline communication. Online educational programs are convenient, more affordable, and flexible. But there is still an adjustment period for students.

Reliable Internet Connection

Although the adoption of 5G has started already, even a 4G internet connection is not always available everywhere. It can be slow or unreliable, especially when it comes to public networks that host a lot of devices. And in some regions and areas, there might be no connection at all.

It might sound like an inconvenience at most, but it can actually slow down the studying process significantly. Without a reliable connection, students might not be able to visit online lectures or download big files and course materials. They also might struggle with research and specific software that relies on an internet connection.

In Summary

These are the five main tech challenges every student faces. From access to necessary devices and reliable connection to adjustment to new educational programs and making sure their personal data is protected. However, these issues can be resolved with both individual and institutional efforts.