The year 2020 was challenging for everyone—including students and instructors—but post-secondary institutions have proven to be resilient and resourceful in adapting to emergency online learning. We have discovered the strengths and weaknesses of both online and classroom learning over the past year, and it is starting to look like blended learning and virtual recruitment are here to stay.
Here are four ways post-secondary institutions can best set their students up for success in a post-pandemic world.
1. Leverage the latest technology.
Unlike the hurdles felt by older generations, technology is not standing in the way of Gen-Zers and their ability to connect and communicate with others. Throughout the pandemic, students have expressed that technology has not weakened their ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships or hindered their development of people skills.
Post-secondary institutions should take measures to invest and leverage technology in order to enable their students’ education and professional development resources as easily accessible as possible, both online and in the classroom.
2. Meet students where they are.
Schools around the world redesigned their curriculum because of COVID-19, and this style of blended learning is quickly becoming the norm. Blended learning is an approach that combines face-to-face instruction with aspects of online instruction while allowing students classroom access with their educator.
The goal of blended learning is for students to benefit from both face-to-face and online learning experiences. A blended classroom combines techniques, such as lectures, group discussions, and small-group work, while using technology to provide online learning tools and resources students can easily access from the comfort of their home.
3. Schedule virtual events and job fairs.
Since the pandemic prevented meetings in person, companies and employers have moved online to connect with young talent. As more universities, colleges and private career colleges host virtual recruitment events, students have also been seeing increasingly positive outcomes.
Benefits of virtual recruitment events include:
– Students can more easily learn about the companies and post-secondary institutions they’re interested in.
– Students are able to meet with recruiters more quickly.
– Students can more easily navigate a virtual event over traditional in-person venues.
Virtual events hosted by career services centres are continuing to break down many of the traditional barriers that were keeping some students from forming strong connections with businesses in a safe and cost-effective way—and students are asking for more.
Find Fulfilling Careers with Computek Career Services
Computek’s Career Services has been gearing up to support its students for post-graduation opportunities and finding creative ways to help students locate fulfilling career opportunities both through traditional methods and emerging technologies. Whether in the fields of business, healthcare or technology, Computek College offers a diverse range of educational programs tailored to those looking to pursue a new career, advance their certifications, or sharpen their current skill set.
As CEO of Computek College, I work with my team to ensure we’re adapting and leveraging new teaching techniques and technologies in the education space. Contact me today to learn more.
