Stacey Ludwig JohnsonAs Executive Dean of Western Governors University’s School of Education, I have seen the ebb and flow of the challenges faced by a whole generation of college students. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, this group of resilient individuals has endured unprecedented disruptions to their education, family lives, and overall well-being. Now, as they prepare to enter the workforce, it is imperative that colleges continue to recognize the unique needs of these students and equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving professional landscape. As example, the pandemic has reshaped the teaching world – fundamentally altering the way aspiring and current educators learn, work, and interact in the classroom. Being able to quickly adapt to remote work, virtual collaboration, and digital literacy has become an indispensable skill. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all colleges to continue to adapt their curriculum, delivery models, and pedagogical approaches to meet these changing demands:
Fostering Adaptability and Resilience
First, fostering adaptability and resilience should be at the core of our educational efforts. The pandemic has forced students to navigate uncertainties, face adversity, and quickly adjust to new learning environments. These experiences have instilled in them the ability to embrace change and remain resilient in the face of challenges. By emphasizing adaptability in our curriculum, we can empower students to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable world.
Integrating Technology
In addition, digital literacy must be a key focus. The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation across industries, and proficiency in technology has become non-negotiable for career success. By integrating technology into the curriculum and offering courses and student support services specifically designed to enhance digital skills, we can ensure that our students are well-equipped to navigate quickly during challenging times.
Practicing Communications Skills
The pandemic has necessitated remote communication, making effective virtual collaboration an essential skill. Colleges must create opportunities for students to develop these skills through group projects and simulated scenarios. For example, here at our School of Education, our simulated classrooms in a virtual reality environment offer a fail-safe place for students to practice these conversations, reflect, learn, and try again, until they perfect the process. Immersive virtual reality helps students practice, learn, and prepare to be better teachers.
Prioritizing Student Well-Being Support
Furthermore, colleges must prioritize mental health and well-being support for students. The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many individuals, including college students. As they transition to the workforce, it is essential that we equip them with strategies to manage stress, prioritize self-care, and seek support when needed. By incorporating well-being initiatives into the curriculum and providing access to mental health resources, we can empower students to prioritize their well-being while navigating the demands of the workplace.
Empowering and preparing the COVID generation of college students for success is a collective responsibility for all of us in education. When I think about the massive effort we undertook to pivot and utilize the online education resources built into our delivery model (or in some cases, needed to create), this generation of students has the potential to be better prepared than other student groups. The agility and other life skills that students needed to overcome immense challenge and change could very well help them thrive in a post-pandemic workforce. As education providers, it is incumbent upon us to continue embarking on ways that emphasize adaptability, digital literacy, interpersonal skills, and well-being support to ensure that our students are well prepared to succeed.
