Common Problems with Remote Learning: Challenges and Solutions in 2025

Every learning system has both advantages and drawbacks, and online learning is no exception. However, since remote learning is becoming increasingly commonplace and offers ideal solutions to the current teacher shortage, it's wise to address issues head-on and come up with workable, effective solutions to common remote learning problems. Doing so makes it possible for learners of all ages and abilities to receive the top-tier education they need and deserve.

Student Engagement

Problem

Learners who have good self-efficacy and self-regulation skills thrive with an asynchronous remote learning model, as do college and university students who start distance learning with a high GPA. Unfortunately, low student engagement is a serious problem for many children and young people. Studies show that learners with a low GPA perform worse in a remote learning environment than in a traditional classroom. Learning from home can present environmental challenges that make it harder for some students to focus, interact with class materials, or receive the instructional clarity they need. When remote learning isn’t structured to support all learning styles, students may feel disconnected or unmotivated—which is why creating engaging, inclusive environments is essential.

Solution

Online learning platforms that offer livestream classes make it possible for teachers to monitor and increase engagement. Such classes can include not only verbal instruction but also pop quizzes, games, audio, and video content. Students who need clarification can ask questions and receive immediate, supportive feedback. Additionally, students can hear other learners' questions and the teacher's answers to these questions. Teachers can monitor student comprehension during the learning process and adapt the class as needed to either challenge students who know most of the material or review key concepts for those who need further explanation and help.

Moreover, schools can offer livestream classes in the public school building. This synchronous online learning format improves students' learning experience by eliminating any at-home distractions and enabling school districts to keep track of student attendance.

Lack of Equipment and Resources

Problem

The Federal government provided over $120 billion in educational funding during the COVID pandemic, which allowed many schools to purchase the tech tools needed to create a remote learning set-up. Unfortunately, the money has expired and only about 25% of state tech officials can say with certainty that their state plans on providing additional funding. Given this fact, district administrators are rightly concerned that they won't have the funds needed for a quality remote learning set-up.

Solution

Funding problems don't have a one-size-fits-all answer. In some cases, district administrators may be able to prioritize educational technology to meet student needs. This is especially true if there are no qualified teachers for certain subjects in the area and the online teachers who will be covering these subjects are certified and experienced. In other cases, public schools may be able to receive funding for remote learning tools via grants from government agencies, NGOs, or corporate sponsors.

Finding Good Teachers

Problem

A whopping 86% of school districts in the United States report difficulties with filling open positions. Unfortunately, a lack of qualified educators is likely to persist for the foreseeable future as about 33% of current teachers report they are "fairly likely" to leave the field in the next two years.

Online learning makes it possible for school districts to hire teachers outside the city or even state, but finding the right teachers for each class can be a huge challenge. This is especially true for schools that want to create interactive learning environments for online students via livestream classes rather than pre-recorded lectures.

Solution

District administrators don't have to search independently when looking for online learning solutions. Online platforms such as Proximity Learning specialize in connecting public schools with certified teachers who are experienced in providing online instruction. These remote learning platforms offer an array of core classes and electives on the school bell schedule so district administrators can easily schedule online instruction for learners across grade levels.

As an added benefit, online learning platforms offer interactive learning tools, tech support, and assistance with tracking grades and educational progress. Districts simply need to sign up, move through the onboarding process, and then hire and train support staff who can supervise and assist learners while online learning is in progress.

Making the Switch

Problem

As became painfully evident during the COVID-19 lockdowns, it's not easy for schools and students to immediately transition from a traditional classroom to an online education set-up. This is especially true for students who may not have the IT tech needed to study at home. Even many teachers struggled to switch from in-person learning to online learning environments as they were unfamiliar with remote learning technology and didn't have experience with creating an interactive learning process online.

Solution

Making the switch from traditional classroom learning to an online learning set-up is not something that should be done in a hurry. Educational institutions should plan out the process, make sure students have advance notice, and ensure that all learners have the remote learning tools needed to succeed in the new school set-up. In practical terms, this means:

• Giving traditional students and their parents plenty of advance notice of the change to a remote learning set-up.
• Ensuring students know what to expect from the remote learning set-up. While many are familiar with distance learning, they may need time to adjust to a synchronous online learning model that requires live engagement and interaction with a teacher and fellow learners.
• Ensuring students and parents know how to get answers to questions they have about academic instruction, test scores, etc.
• Creating an online learning set-up at school so learners who don't have a good internet connection at home can still participate in livestream classes
• Making sure learners have access to a computer at home if they need to use one to complete homework assignments, review livestream classes, or participate in breakout sessions or live chats.

Why Proximity Learning?

Proximity Learning offers both the benefits of in-person instruction and distance learning. Our remote learning instructors are certified and experienced. They know how to help students engage with the learning material and make progress in their studies. We offer livestream distance learning classes on your school's bell schedule to allow online learners to interact in real-time with instructors and fellow students.

Furthermore, we offer a huge array of online programs catering to many different learning styles to meet the needs of learners of all ages and walks of life. Our online courses include not just core subjects such as Math and Science but also important electives such as physical education, physical health, world languages, and AP test prep. Additionally, we offer special education online courses as well as special ed class accommodations to help learners of all abilities reach their IEP and 504 goals.

Our onboarding process typically takes about two to four weeks. We cover every detail involved in creating quality online learning environments, including helping you overcome technical challenges that could make it hard for online learners to receive a quality remote education. Our team works with you throughout the school year to ensure that your synchronous learning experience not only meets your learner's needs but even exceeds your expectations. Contact us to find out more or to start the process of moving learners to a dynamic virtual classroom.

‍