In today’s virtual learning environment, how do faculty create and teach the importance of community through soft-skill application? Let’s talk about the ideas and tools educators can use to promote soft skills in community-type environments though activities like working in a group, video presentations, and live discussion boards.
Our ultimate goal as educators is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in life. They may not ever use what they learn in algebra or through reading Shakespeare but through discussion and socialization of concept we are teaching them problem solving and critical thinking skills. Teaching community learning via soft skills within the online classroom needs to be a priority in order to equip students with the skills they need to succeed.
It can be challenging for faculty to build a sense of community within the online classroom. Students are often isolated outside of the traditional discussion boards. But the reality is that the same challenges are often experienced in the corporate environment and it’s important that students learn how to navigate the dynamics of working within a community to be successful in their careers.
It requires forward design thinking and planning. This session will review strategies and best practices for faculty specific to planning and teaching soft skills in community learning. This sessions will support the following outcomes:
- Understand context and history of online communities
- Examine strategies for promoting online community
- Analyze best practices for integrating soft skills with community-type activities