While the world rapidly changes, the "New Normal" is becoming the routine. Digital education is one of the latest areas being transformed by necessity and circumstance.
The Shift to Digital
As digital technology grows, it has increasingly nudged educators to experiment with new methods. While some initially found digital tools clunky or unable to capture the essence of in-class experience, current global circumstances have made digital learning a necessity. Schools that fail to adapt risk leaving students behind.5 Tips for Going Digital
Educators and leaders can keep these five principles in mind as they transition to the digital classroom:- Continue social etiquette and social cohesion: Maintain humanity and politeness in a virtual space. Don't be afraid to show care and concern for students as you would in person.
- Reduce what you are saying by one-third: Attention spans falter online; convert a 60-minute live lecture into a 40-minute, more concentrated virtual session.
- Lead from the back: Shift from lecturing to facilitating. Allow students to take the lead in discussions while you listen, encourage, and re-direct.
- Have empathy for "digital dinosaurs": Recognize that everyone adapts to technology at different speeds. Offer the same patience to students struggling with software as you would to those struggling with academic concepts.
- Have fun: Avoid stiff seriousness. Engage with students to foster human connection within the digital environment.