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The COVID-19 pandemic rocked higher education to the core. The 2019-2020 school year in the second half was in full swing as the world changed. Many institutions have had to send students home without notice and switch to an online-only format without warning.

The situation is still fluid, but not the same as it was then. It is less about managing an emergency than about establishing a “new normal”. Higher Ed needs to create a functioning game plan that will last, especially if there is a resurgence.

Exactly how this will look can vary somewhat from college to college, but most will ultimately have something in common. If you're wondering what the long-term schedule Here's what you need to know.

Mature virtual learning landscapes

In the early days of the pandemic, many colleges had to struggle to create the online content they needed to keep students informed. It was an unprecedented situation that required quick fixes, so not all results were ideal.

Now the same sense of urgency is fading. Instead of insane striving for a solution, schools can make their virtual learning methodical.

This will not only improve the quality of the content, but the overall quality of the experience as well. Colleges and universities invest more in their virtual learning landscape and offer students access to better functions and systems.

Professors and trainers will also benefit from the increased focus on online learning. They have higher quality tools at their disposal that they can use to ensure that students are engaged and focused.

Beyond the seminar – a focus on engagement

Since online learning transitions may be long term, relying on the seminar approach is not ideal. Students may have trouble staying engaged during a two-hour video-based lecture. Classroom lectures often included some conversational aspects, as teachers can ask students questions or have students raise a hand when they need clarification. This is not so easy to manage virtually and not available at all for recorded lectures.

Since student engagement is of crucial importance, higher education institutions can move away from the seminar format. Incorporating more engaging activities, implementing gamification, and similar steps may be required to ensure a quality learning experience. How exactly this will develop depends on the topic being dealt with, but it remains crucial across the board.

Do you need L&D talent to develop a long-term game plan?

Creating a long-term virtual learning schedule seems like an incredibly daunting task. However, with the right L&D staff by your side, this is achievable. If you don't know where to start, the team at poeticbusiness Consultants can provide you with the support and guidance you need to be successful.

With more than a quarter of a century of L&D experience, poeticbusiness has the expertise you need to create a virtual learning plan that works today and in the future. When you partner with us, you are working with candidate search allies who will accelerate your talent search and enable you to attract the professionals you need as quickly as possible.

When you need top L&D talent, the professionals at poeticbusiness Consultants can help. Contact us today.