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The coronavirus pandemic has shaken up the educational world in an unprecedented manner. The initial shift to either a remote learning hybrid or even an entirely virtual learning environment was sudden and abrupt.
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The first shock is now in the rearview mirror. However, teachers shouldn’t simply look at the months and years ahead as something to get through as they wait for in-person learning to resume. On the contrary, one way or another, remote learning is here to stay, and teachers should lay their plans accordingly.
With that in mind, educators should do more than simply use remote tech to teach their classes and get through their syllabuses. They should also consider the long-term abilities, skill sets, and welfare of their students as they grow up in a revolutionary era.
If you’re a teacher, here are several remote skills that you can help your students develop as they prepare to enter the modern workplace.
Responsibility
Students always have a certain level of responsibility to show up to class on time, do their homework, pay attention, and so on. In a remote situation, though, the burden of responsibility is amped up.
Now students must do more than simply show up to class on time and do their homework. They need to manage their equipment, from laptops to internet connections. They also much understand and meet expectations via video chats and emails. In addition, they must maintain a schedule even if they’re doing everything from their bedroom.
Many of these responsibilities, while obvious, are things that remote workers often struggle with. When that happens, employees must be trained to operate in a remote work environment. If a student comes into a job with these skills already developed, they can present themselves as a mature and experienced option, even if their job-related experience is lacking.
Time Management
Time management is another area that takes front and center with remote learning. When you have an on-campus class schedule, it’s easy to maintain momentum as you move from one thing to the next.
However, when your learning experience consists of moving between different windows on your computer as you sit in your bedroom all day, it can be easy to entirely lose track of time.
As a teacher, it’s important for you to remember that it’s easy for things like apathy and procrastination to creep into the picture — and with good reason, too. Remote education is isolated and lonely. Instead of punishing or scolding, make it a goal to help your students learn the importance of managing their time.
Encourage them to set up schedules, maintain calendars, and establish routines. Challenge them to set SMART goals that will keep them motivated.
The lessons that a student can learn from proper time management are invaluable in the modern workplace. It can help them stand out as candidates that are both productive and trustworthy. In addition, if they’re able to keep tabs on their time and productivity, it will also empower them to take control of managing their work-life balance when the time comes.
Communication
Communication has often been associated with classically non-remote, non-automated careers. Hairdressers must understand what each client wants. Therapists and healthcare workers must be able to connect with patients. Sales reps are trained to both use and read body language and facial expressions.
In the remote workplace, communication has taken on a new, even more critical role. It doesn’t matter if you’re a teacher, a writer, or anyone else, if you’re working remotely you have to stay in touch with the right people. Coworkers, bosses, and clients must all remain up to date and questions must be answered in a timely manner.
Help your students understand how to properly keep up communication from a distance. By doing so, you’re preparing them for any virtual work situation that they may find themselves in.
Continual Learning
The ability to maintain a growth mindset is critical in the modern workplace. With technology constantly evolving and improving, you can never let down your guard when it comes to learning new things.
As a teacher, you can help foster a love for growth and continual learning by utilizing innovative technological tools in your lessons. From using NUITEQ Snowflake to encourage engagement to finding ways to integrate tablets or smartphone VR into your lessons, there are many ways to keep your students on their toes when it comes to learning new technology.
Helping Nurture Mature Students
If you’re an educator that is teaching in a remote environment, you don’t have to stop with the simple transfer of knowledge. You can also create a remote education strategy that helps prepare your students to succeed in the professional world.
Focus on teaching things like responsibility, time management, communication, and continual learning. If you can do this, you can equip each and every student with the professional tools that they need to navigate the modern workforce with success.
Looking for a tool to help your students develop the online school skills needed for future careers?
