Adopting Virtual Learning and Education during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed several integral functions in our lives that keep us going like our work, our education, and social lives. It may feel like everything is at a stand still, but it doesn’t have to be, especially your education.

Here are 4 ways you can upgrade your skills and continue to explore educational opportunities while at home:

#1 Visit Virtual Education Fairs

Maybe studying abroad or finally going on that student exchange was the plan for 2021? With the current pandemic ensuing that may not be a possibility right now but you don’t have to stop dreaming, or learning!

Take this down time to explore and research more international schools and their programs. Your university or college will have partnerships with international universities but you can explore other programs as well, and even consider a degree program abroad.

Sign up for virtual education fairs to learn about various international education programs and even online courses from top international universities. Don’t know where to start?

Try Study and Go Abroad’s Virtual Education Fair on May 20th, 2021.  It’s free and all you need is a computer, an ipad or a phone and internet..

#2 Take online classes and certifications

Remember that language you wanted to learn? Or the google analytics certificate you were going to complete? How about the course you were thinking of taking to upgrade your professional skills? Now is a great time to start any educational goals you had placed on the backburner.

There are many universities and colleges with continuing education departments that offer a variety of courses in all fields. Most courses require no prior knowledge or very little understanding of the subject. The Chang School at Ryerson University is a great example. They have courses and certificates in PR & Communications, Data Analysis, Crime Analytics, Fundraising Management and even Cannabis Business Essentials. These are only a few of the 40 plus completely online certificates you can complete.

Many global universities have also partnered to bring free online courses to the public on business, financial literacy, IT, languages and more from post-secondary institutions like Harvard, Berkley, MIT and more.

Take advantage of the time you have and learn something new for yourself or your career.

#3 Try educational apps and games to keep basic skills sharp.

Without our cellphones, laptops and the internet, many of us wouldn’t have survived the boredom that comes from staying at home. But these gadgets are also useful in helping us keep up with our everyday skills that we don’t realize we practice in the outside world.

During simple exchanges like buying coffee or food we are using mental math to count our change. Reading a book or listening to a podcast on your daily commute unknowingly introduces new information and vocabulary to your brain. Even conversations with your fellow students, commuters, and co-workers work your memory.

To keep these basic skills active and your brain stimulated, try educational apps like Duolingo, lumosity, Scrabble, Socratic and even candy crush! They are fun to play and it doesn’t even feel like a workout.

#4 Your body can learn new things too.

Learning new skills doesn’t have to be limited to your career or to keeping your brain active. Your body needs activity too. Studies have shown that an active body also boosts a healthy mind and immunity.

Even though we still have restrictions in place for social distancing, luckily we are allowed outside to exercise.  However, gyms and indoor classes may not be happening at the moment.  Luckily, there are other ways to stay active from home. Several local gyms, fitness influencers and dance professionals are conducting free online classes that will make you sweat even at home. Reach out to your local gym to learn about online classes or check your inbox for an email they may have already sent with information. Follow that yoga blog you always had your eye on or that dance studio you were going to join after work. Explore YouTube for millions of free workouts for all levels of fitness.

So whether you take a new course to sharpen your skills, visit a virtual education fair, or learn a new move or two, remember that there are people learning and exploring with you. There is an entire community online and several resources to support your career growth.

Take the leap and make your own opportunities.

Contributed by:
Kajol Ratanjankar, TalentEgg.ca
TalentEgg.ca is Canada’s leading job board and online career resource for college and university students and recent graduates.