Prior to February in the United States, the idea of social media and technology were simply a luxury for some students. But since then, it’s become a necessity for all students given the new buzz words we’ve all become too familiar with – COVID-19, or more commonly stated the Coronavirus. A global pandemic has swept through not only our nation, but throughout the entire world.
The pandemic has not only affected the physical [and mental] health of many, but it has impacted the education industry in ways unimaginable. What’s been taken for granted through the beauty of casual human interaction with being in a classroom with one’s peers and instructor, has now been relegated to online learning, or distance learning as coined since the epidemic started because of the social distancing measures put in place via the federal and local governments.
But as those in academia – and those outside of its parameters who are key witnesses – are quickly learning, educational technology channels and standards should’ve been put in place years ago across all levels of academia to avoid what has seemingly become our harsh reality – haphazard quick fixes for distance learning. Between some educators being resistant to train how to teach and be engaging online and some students not having access to technological equipment, the adaptation to distance learning has proven more difficult for some more than others. This paradigm shift to online learning, however, will not be seasonal; as the upcoming fall semester will soon prove this to be, this is merely a sign of the times we have come to inherit – whether we’re ready or not.
Crisis is said to bring about change and adjustments to life as it was once known and bring forth creativity and innovation. Needless to say, the spread of Coronavirus has awakened what has been forced under the desk for so long to jump out – the need of highly adaptable and flexible instructional design for the student learning needs in the digital age. If businesses have had to shift to build their online real estate and presence to accommodate ever-changing consumer needs and desires in emerging markets, then how much more would education need to shift to accommodate the ever-changing student needs and desires in emerging online learning? New structures and systems will be required for the “new normal” we will all soon experience, but it will require a mental readiness to change ranging from K – 12 all the way through higher education.
Join the conversation during this year’s NASN conference being held from June 30 – July 2.