Sponsored content: created in partnership with Kaplan.
Not so long ago, university courses would primarily focus on delivering knowledge within the strict confines of a student’s chosen discipline. However, today’s workplace is highly fluid and subject to frequent disruptions. According to the World Economic Forum, 23 per cent of all jobs will change by 2027, with almost 70 million new roles expected to be created. To ensure students are prepared for this new world of work, universities must equip them with the soft skills that will allow them to comfortably transition from one role to the next as technological and market shifts occur.
At the same time, online learning is changing the way many higher education institutions approach soft skills development in their students. With online learning offering students greater flexibility than they would typically find with in-person courses, they have more opportunities to complete shorter courses specifically designed to build in-demand soft skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and creativity. Many institutions are leveraging online learning to develop soft skills in the wider academic community by offering free, open online courses on these skills.
Moreover, online learning represents a relatively recent shift in how higher education is delivered. For many students, simply getting to grips with new digital approaches to learning is a great way of developing the sought-after soft skill of adaptability. Remote learning, whether it involves ebooks, virtual learning environments, or other digital solutions, helps students gain valuable digital skills. Given that digital tools play a prominent role in many workplaces today, growing accustomed to online learning tools will help students acquire important transferable skills that may serve them well in their careers.
Compared with the more rigid structures generally associated with traditional university courses, online learning can be a great way of offering students more autonomy, which, in turn, encourages the development of certain skills. For instance, online learning often allows students to learn at their own pace, boosting their time management and self-motivation skills.
With advances in technology, online learning has become more collaborative than before. Using digital solutions that enable students to ask questions, engage with course material remotely, and interact with their peers, online learning is a great method for developing teamwork and cross-cultural communication among learners – especially beyond geographical borders.
A Harvard University study found that 85 per cent of job success comes from having well‐developed soft and people skills, with only 15 per cent determined by technical skills and knowledge. With modern and innovative approaches to education, online learning can help instil the right soft skills among students, not only boosting their employability after graduation but also ensuring their skills remain relevant in the evolving job market.
Find out more about online learning by Kaplan.
Comments