The future of remote learning and its role in preparing students for future careers

A woman on her phone travelling outdoors
Reading time: 5 minutes

The future of remote learning still holds significant potential in preparing students for future careers by leveraging advanced technologies, fostering flexibility and accessibility, promoting lifelong learning, facilitating global collaboration, emphasizing soft skills, personalizing learning experiences, integrating industry partnerships, and ensuring ethical and responsible use of technology. A , and many institutions continue to expand their online offerings with many institutions at least offering some part of their learning online.Ìý

By embracing these opportunities and addressing challenges proactively, remote learning can play a vital role in equipping students with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. With jobs moving away from the bricks-and-mortar workplace, tomorrow's job opportunities will have fewer physical and geographical restrictions, so if you you can also learn anywhere in the world.

Here's how remote learning integrates into this evolution, by enforcing these things:Ìý

Flexibility and accessibility

Remote learning provides flexibility in scheduling and accessibility to educational resources, allowing students to balance learning with other commitments such as work or family responsibilities. This flexibility mirrors the dynamic nature of many future careers, where adaptability and time management are essential skills. It also allows people who may otherwise not be able to attend a traditional institution in person the same opportunity to learn.Ìý

Digital literacy and technological proficiency

Remote learning requires students to navigate various digital platforms, tools and resources, fostering digital literacy and technological proficiency. These skills are increasingly vital in virtually every industry, as technology continues to transform the way we work and communicate.Ìý

Self-directed learning and autonomy

Remote learning often encourages self-directed learning, where students take greater responsibility for their education, set learning goals, and manage their progress independently. This cultivates autonomy and self-motivation, qualities highly valued in the modern workplace, where employees are expected to take initiative and drive their own professional development.Ìý

Global perspective and cultural competence

Remote learning platforms facilitate collaboration and interaction among students from diverse cultural backgrounds and geographical locations. Engaging with peers from around the world fosters a global perspective, cultural competence, and cross-cultural communication skills, essential for success in an increasingly interconnected and globalized workforce.Ìý

Collaboration and teamwork skills

While remote, students often participate in group projects, discussions and virtual teamwork exercises, honing their collaboration and communication skills in digital environments. These skills are invaluable in many careers, where collaboration across distributed teams and effective virtual communication are becoming increasingly common.Ìý

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Remote learning activities often emphasize problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical skills as students engage with complex challenges and real-world scenarios. These cognitive skills are essential for navigating uncertainty and innovation in future careers, where the ability to analyze information, think critically and propose creative solutions is highly prized.

Adaptability to changing technologies and industries

Remote learning exposes students to a variety of digital tools, software and online platforms, helping them adapt to rapidly changing technologies and industries. By staying abreast of emerging trends and mastering new tools, students develop a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability, crucial for success in careers that continually evolve.Ìý

Professional networking and career development

Remote learning platforms often provide opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals, mentors and alumni networks, expanding their professional network and gaining insights into potential career paths. Building relationships with professionals in their field of interest can open doors to internships, job opportunities and career guidance, facilitating a smoother transition from education to employment.Ìý

The future of remote learning is poised to undergo significant transformations driven by technological advancements, evolving educational paradigms and societal shifts. Here are just some key trends that may shape the future of remote learning…

Hybrid learning models

As we move forward, we're likely to see a blend of traditional classroom instruction and remote learning, known as hybrid learning. This model offers flexibility for both students and educators, allowing them to leverage the benefits of in-person interaction while also harnessing the advantages of remote technologies for convenience, accessibility and personalized learning experiences.Ìý

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)

VR and AR technologies are expected to play a more prominent role in remote learning, offering immersive and interactive experiences that simulate real-world environments. These technologies can transport students to historical sites, enable hands-on experiments in science labs, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving activities, enhancing engagement and understanding.Ìý

Artificial intelligence (AI) and adaptive learning

AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data to personalize learning experiences, identify individual strengths and weaknesses, and offer targeted interventions. Adaptive learning platforms can adjust the pace, content and instructional methods based on each student's learning preferences and performance, optimizing learning outcomes and promoting mastery of concepts.Ìý

Microlearning and bite-sized content

With attention spans decreasing and the demand for just-in-time learning increasing, microlearning—delivering content in small, digestible chunks—is gaining popularity. Microlearning modules, delivered through mobile devices and online platforms, enable learners to access relevant information quickly, retain knowledge more effectively, and apply it immediately in real-world contexts.Ìý

Gamification and interactive content

Gamification elements such as badges, leaderboards and rewards can enhance motivation, engagement and retention in remote learning environments. Interactive content, such as simulations, quizzes and branching scenarios, not only makes learning more enjoyable but also facilitates active participation, critical thinking and skill development.Ìý

Social learning and collaboration tools

Remote learning platforms will continue to integrate social learning features such as discussion forums, group projects and peer feedback mechanisms. Collaboration tools like video conferencing, instant messaging and shared document editing enable synchronous and asynchronous communication, fostering interaction, teamwork and community building among students and educators.Ìý

Data-driven decision making

The collection and analysis of learning analytics data will enable educators and administrators to gain insights into student progress, engagement levels and learning preferences. By leveraging data-driven decision-making processes, institutions can identify areas for improvement, personalize interventions and optimize instructional strategies to enhance student success and retention rates.Ìý

Continued emphasis on equity and inclusion

As remote learning becomes more prevalent, it's crucial to address issues of access, digital literacy, and socioeconomic disparities. Efforts to bridge the digital divide, provide equitable access to technology and resources, and create inclusive learning environments for diverse populations will be essential in shaping the future of remote learning.Ìý

In summary, by leveraging the opportunities provided by remote learning, students, job seekers and career changers can develop the skills and competencies needed to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly changing job market.

Read more in our blog post 'The advantages of online distance learning'.

Explore our range of language courses and tools

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • Grammar 101: insider tips and tricks to instantly improve your writing (part 4)

    By
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    Punctuation makes your writing easier to read and understand, but it can be tricky to master. As an editor and proofreader, I often notice people confusing semi-colons and colons, so we'll explore the difference between them. And because both are often used in lists, we'll also look at the humble comma – and its sometimes-controversional cousin, the Oxford comma.Ìý

    Semi-colons and colons both connect phrases in a sentence but are used in different situations.Ìý

    Understanding colons

    Colons introduce important information and explanations. They're often used before lists as a replacement for phrases like "they are" and "which is":

    • He offered me a choice of drinks: tea, coffee or hot chocolate.Ìý
    • I packed the essentials in my bag: water, pens and a magazine.Ìý
    • She speaks three languages: English, French and Portuguese.Ìý

    You can also think of a colon as a spotlight, with the phrase that comes after the colon explaining or expanding what came before it.Ìý

    • In 1903, travel was changed forever by an important event: Orville and Wilbur Wright's first successful flight.
    • He loves visiting the animals at the farm: cows are his favourite.Ìý
    • There is one rule I live by: I treat others as I wish to be treated.

    The secrets of semi-colons

    A semi-colon links two ideas that are closely related and that would be two complete sentences if you used a period instead. They give a softer transition than a period would, and they're often used instead of conjunctions like "and", "but" and "because":

    • I love eating pizza; my sister loves eating burgers.
    • I wanted to go for a swim; I couldn't find my goggles.Ìý
    • It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.

    Semi-colons also seperate items in long lists to make life easier for the reader and stop a sentence becoming a sea of apostrophes. For example:

    • I've got my shopping list ready: peppers, carrots and oranges from the market; toothpaste, shampoo and pain relief from the drugstore; and a newspaper, snack and drink from the newsstand. Ìý

    Standard comma or Oxford comma?

    An Oxford comma goes before "and" or "or" at the end of a list. The first example has an Oxford comma, the second doesn't.Ìý

    • Please bring me a sandwich made with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.Ìý
    • Please bring me a sandwich made with cheese, lettuce and tomato.Ìý

    American English generally favors the Oxford comma, British English typically omits it, unless needed for clarity. Compare:

    • I love my parents, Taylor Swift and Keanu Reeves.
    • I love my parents, Taylor Swift, and Keanu Reeves.Ìý

    As with many areas of punctuation, whether you choose to use the Oxford comma is a matter of personal preference. However, the most important thing is to be consistent in your usage.Ìý

  • A person in a striped shirt writes with a marker on a whiteboard, holding a clip board

    Clear path to fast-track progress: Why choose assessment underpinned by the GSE

    By
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    At the beginning of every school year, we welcome new learners into our classrooms with the same core question: Where are our students now, and how far can we take them?

    For English teachers, this reveals a huge challenge. In a single class, we might have one student at an A2 level, while others are solidly B1 or just entering A2+. Navigating such a wide range of abilities can feel overwhelming.

    We’ve all seen it: students can spend months (or even years) studying English and still feel like they haven’t moved up a level. Teachers work incredibly hard, and students put in the effort, but progress feels intangible. Why is that? And more importantly, how can schools make it easier to see and support that progress?

    In recent years, I have found a powerful ally in answering that question: the Global Scale of English (GSE). Backed by ɫèAV and aligned with the CEFR, the GSE offers more than just levels, it provides a clear, data-informed path to language growth. Most importantly, it gives teachers and school leaders the ability to set meaningful goals and measure real progress.

    But, how is this useful at the beginning of the school year?

    Starting with assessment

    To get a clear picture from the start, assessment is essential; there’s no doubt about it. However, it can't just be a punctuation mark at the end of a term or a requirement from administration. Used strategically, this first assessment can be the compass that guides instruction and curriculum decisions, empowering both teachers and students from day one. This is why choosing the correct assessment tools becomes fundamental.

    The GSE difference: Precision, clarity, confidence

    Unlike the broad bands of the CEFR, the GSE provides a granular scale from 10 to 90, breaking down each skill into precise learning objectives. This allows educators to monitor progress at a much closer level, often identifying improvements that would otherwise go unnoticed.

    When learners see that their score has moved from 36 to 42, even if their overall CEFR level hasn’t changed, they gain confidence. They recognize that learning is a continuous process rather than a series of steps. Teachers, in turn, are able to validate growth, provide clear evidence of learning and tailor instruction to the learner’s current needs, not just their general level.

    For example, two students might both be classified as "A2", but the GSE gives us a much clearer picture: a student with a GSE score of 35 is likely mastering simple sentences, while another student scoring 40 might already be comfortable writing simple stories and is ready to tackle B1-level tasks.

    This isn't just data: it's a roadmap. It tells us exactly what to teach next, allowing us to differentiate with confidence instead of relying solely on gut feeling.

    GSE tools that make it happen

    ɫèAV offers a comprehensive range of GSE-aligned assessment tools that support different stages of the learning journey. Each tool plays a distinct role in placement, diagnosis, benchmarking or certification.

  • A person in a denim jacket and striped shirt holds glasses and a notebook, standing by a window with bright daylight.

    What happens in the brain when you learn a language?

    By
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    Whether you’re picking up Spanish for travel, Mandarin for business or French just for fun, you’re not only expanding your communication skills, you’re also giving your brain a powerful workout. But what actually happens inside your brain when you learn a language?Ìý

    The brain’s language centers

    Your brain is made up of many parts and two areas are significant for language:

    • : Located in the frontal lobe, this region helps you produce speech and form sentences.
    • : Found in the temporal lobe, this area helps you understand spoken and written language.

    When you start learning a new language, these areas get busy. They work together to help you listen, speak, read and write in your new language (Friederici, 2011).