Academic stress in virtual learning: What needs to change?

While online education enhances accessibility and customization, it also introduces stressors such as academic overload, technological distractions, and limited face-to-face interaction. Students who experienced higher levels of support and engagement from their instructors reported lower levels of academic stress, suggesting that the quality of digital teaching plays a vital role in mental well-being.

Higher education has undergone a massive transformation with the rise of digital learning environments. While digital tools offer flexibility, accessibility, and personalized learning, they also introduce new challenges, including increased academic stress. As universities continue to integrate digital teaching methodologies, the relationship between these evolving educational practices and student well-being is becoming a crucial area of study.

A recent study, "Digital Teaching Practices and Student Academic Stress in the Era of Digitalization in Higher Education", published in Applied Sciences (2025), explores the connection between online teaching strategies and student stress levels. Conducted by researchers Roger Pedro Norabuena-Figueroa, Angel Deroncele-Acosta, Hugo Marino Rodríguez-Orellana, Emerson Damián Norabuena-Figueroa, Milagros Catalina Flores-Chinte, Lourdes Liz Huamán-Romero, Víctor Hilario Tarazona-Miranda, and Marybel Esther Mollo-Flores, the study analyzed data from 6,605 university students in Lima. By applying structural equation modeling, the researchers identified key factors influencing student stress and examined how digital teaching practices impact mental well-being.

How digital teaching practices shape student stress

The study assessed digital teaching practices using a validated scale that measured teacher interaction, media communication, student collaboration, teaching processes, and teacher support. Each of these elements plays a role in shaping students' experiences in online learning environments. Teacher interaction refers to how effectively educators engage with students, while media communication focuses on the use of digital tools such as forums, video conferencing, and learning management systems. Student collaboration reflects the degree to which learners interact with peers, and the teaching process evaluates how structured and well-organized online courses are. Finally, teacher support measures how accessible and responsive educators are in assisting students.

Findings revealed that digital teaching practices had an indirect but significant influence on student stress levels. While online education enhances accessibility and customization, it also introduces stressors such as academic overload, technological distractions, and limited face-to-face interaction. Students who experienced higher levels of support and engagement from their instructors reported lower levels of academic stress, suggesting that the quality of digital teaching plays a vital role in mental well-being. However, students who faced technological barriers and poorly structured digital courses reported higher stress levels, highlighting the importance of optimizing online learning environments.

The biggest stressors in virtual learning environments

The study identified four key stressors that impact students in digital learning environments:

• Student Overload – The shift to online learning has often resulted in an increase in coursework and self-paced assignments, leading to excessive academic pressure. Many students reported feeling overwhelmed with deadlines, digital resources, and the expectation of managing their own learning.
• Student Interaction Issues – Limited face-to-face communication in virtual classrooms can create social isolation, making it harder for students to seek help or engage in meaningful discussions. Many students expressed difficulty in forming connections with peers and instructors, increasing feelings of academic stress.
• Technological Barriers – Access to stable internet connections, reliable devices, and user-friendly learning platforms significantly influenced student stress levels. Those who encountered frequent technological disruptions reported greater frustration and difficulty staying engaged in their coursework.
• Environmental Distractions – Studying from home presents challenges such as household noise, family responsibilities, and lack of dedicated study spaces. These distractions hinder concentration, causing stress and negatively impacting academic performance.

How to reduce stress in digital learning?

The research emphasizes that while digital learning is here to stay, universities must take proactive steps to reduce student stress and improve virtual education experiences. One of the most effective strategies is enhancing teacher-student interaction by providing more personalized feedback, real-time discussions, and interactive learning formats. Institutions should also train educators in digital pedagogy to ensure that online courses are well-structured and engaging.

Another critical solution is investing in reliable technological infrastructure, ensuring students have access to stable internet, intuitive learning platforms, and necessary digital tools. Additionally, universities should offer time management and stress-reduction programs to help students navigate the demands of digital education effectively. Encouraging social interaction through virtual study groups, peer mentorship programs, and discussion forums can also mitigate feelings of isolation and improve the overall learning experience.

The future of higher education: Balancing digitalization and student well-being

As the education sector continues to embrace digitalization, it is essential to strike a balance between technological advancements and student well-being. This study highlights the need for thoughtfully designed digital teaching practices that foster engagement while minimizing stress. Universities must recognize that simply providing digital access is not enough - students need structured guidance, social support, and stress management resources to thrive in online learning environments.

Future research should explore the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality to create more immersive and supportive digital classrooms. Additionally, incorporating mindfulness training, digital literacy programs, and self-efficacy initiatives can equip students with the skills to manage academic stress more effectively.

This study underscores that while digital education enhances accessibility and flexibility, it must be implemented strategically to ensure that students not only succeed academically but also maintain their mental well-being. By optimizing virtual learning environments, universities can create a more supportive and effective digital education system that prioritizes student success in the digital age.