| | JUNE - 202119As adoption of digital communication and online applications continues to grow, we are already seeing a change from a "work from home" to a "work from anywhere" mindsetVirtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are showing up in digital education environments for learning both hard and soft skills ­ from VR in biology labs to AI for analyzing a student's past and current in-class performance to predict future success. High risk tasks are also being taught with simulations, such as training medical students to perform surgery or the military's use of flight simulation technology to train pilots.UMA is exploring VR modules for future learning with students and for our employer partners. In September 2020, UMA hosted its annual Spark Summit with healthcare employers and used VR to reinforce emotional intelligence and empathy skills. During this program, participants helped to solve a customer issue in a simulated pharmacy setting and engaged with a benefits call center.Digital learning depends on both humans and technologyAs digital education evolves, don't assume that anything seen online is inherently good. Many struggles faced by students and educators throughout the pandemic are a result of classroom lessons being forced onto online platforms. For online learning to be effective, curriculum developers and educators need to purposefully plan the learner's course experience and be intentional about goals and outcomes.Specializing in online education for a decade, we have learned that digital tools, course design and the role of human facilitators and teachers, are essential components for effective digital education. Quality instructors play a pivotal role in student success. As it is with in-classroom learning, instructors need to facilitate online conversations and be comfortable in the learning environment. Digital learning is not a replacement for learning from people. At UMA, instructors teach the courses, grade assignments, speak with students on the phone, and serve as facilitators to help elevate student conversations and steer away from groupthink. Online learning also requires a high level of self-discipline from students. They need to take initiative to complete necessary course materials and activities and actively engage online to benefit from the experience. The future: working and learning without boundariesOnline education is becoming more natural as our culture shifts ever more to a "digital first" mindset. Traditional interactions increasingly occur online ­ banking, grocery shopping, car buying. People are seeing that education can be effective and more accessible online as well. Learning without boundaries creates opportunities to learn from leading institutions and instructors without having to be physically present. Seamless integration of technology with existing software and hardware can further streamline the online experience and promote ease of use.As adoption of digital communication and online applications continues to grow, we are already seeing a change from a "work from home" to a "work from anywhere" mindset. When education is also accessible from anywhere anytime, a broader range of learners have a chance to grow, fulfill their potential and find promising career paths, lifting our communities and society in the process. Brandi Yates
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