Tip 1 - Learn, unlearn and relearn

At the GCSP we have learned so much in the past two years about learning in the context of virtual and hybrid education. Our take-aways are relevant well beyond the classroom – since all of our future working lives will involve continual and “active” learning. Just think of the time we have all spent since 2020 on learning completely new digital skills, unlearning old habits, and relearning different approaches to how we work – sometimes even unconsciously! Discover more on learning, unlearning and relearning.

Tip 2 - Focus on the progress you have already made

You may likely be your own worst critic. Focusing on failures, doubts, unfinished or non-started projects can cloud your judgement or ability to see the progress you have already made. Instead of comparing yourself to other people’s journeys, narrow in on your own successes. Write up a list of successes by reflecting on the progress you have already made today, this week, this month, etc. Give yourself time to acknowledge your accomplishments. This could drive you towards your next learning or growth opportunity.

Tip 3 - Increase your digital skillset

In virtual education, classrooms are replaced by video conferencing tools and learning platforms; online whiteboards are now used instead of flip charts and social learning takes place in breakout rooms, not around the coffee machine. These online tools allow you to learn wherever works best for you. Though they come with their own unique challenges. To make your learning more effective, you need to understand your technical skills gap and take action to address it. Do not forget to review your cyber security practices, including keeping passwords updated, controlling access to your devices and updating your antivirus software. Learn more here.

Tip 4 -  Develop a plan to put learnings into practice

Research suggests that humans tend to halve their memory of newly learned knowledge in a matter of days, unless they consciously review the learned material. Throughout your virtual learning journey, you need to constantly reflect upon how you will combat this “forgetting curve”. Take notes in a learning journal: What are your key takeaway points? What are your concrete next steps to apply what you have learned to your professional context? What action can you take to share your learnings with your community and network? Who needs to be involved and what resources are required to change your world?

Tip 5 - Take ownership of your own learning

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. These wise words by Benjamin Franklin have proven to be well-founded when learning remotely. To maximise your learning outcomes, you need to fully commit to the whole journey. Take ownership of your education by reflecting on what you want to achieve personally, and for your community. Having clarity on why you participate will help you remain focused and develop a routine to avoid “Zoom fatigue”, a recent phenomenon associated with exhaustion caused by frequent use of technology.

Tip 6 - Read and listen…a lot

Despite the overload of information that is available to you, this information will nonetheless provide the raw material that will allow you to learn more about any topic that interests you. Thus, 2021 may be the time for you to read more, not less. Read books, read newspapers, read archives, read reports, read analyses. For those who are not readers, there are plenty of things to listen to out there that can serve the same function, such as podcasts, audiobooks, and so forth. Prioritise the kinds of analyses that delve deeper into their subject matter and train your brain to think critically about each topic. Learn more here.

Tip 7 - Engage in critical thinking by formulating your own conclusions

Make a conscious effort to start thinking for yourself. Take ownership of your positions and opinions, and critically examine any conclusions that you draw. When you are reading or listening to material that seems to be trying to make serious points of some kind, you can take a number of steps that will help you to engage critically with what is being said: take notes in the margin or on your Notes app; reflect on the issues being discussed and ask questions about the conclusions the author comes to; analyse and dissect his/her viewpoint in light of your own ideas; re-read the material and attempt to draw conclusions based on your own analysis.

Tip 8 - Follow experts that present diverse perspectives

This year, go through your social profiles and start following people who have different perspectives and backgrounds to your own. In our divided and polarised world, the worst thing you can do is lock yourself away and hide behind a protective wall of your own ideas. Given the amount of information that is available, it is important to set boundaries to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed, but, starting today, why not try to extend your horizons by looking at a newspaper that you normally wouldn't read? Many world leaders start their day by scanning all major newspapers – both in their respective countries and internationally – to get the gist of the political narratives of the day. Essentially, you can do the same.

Tip 9 - Discuss issues with friends, colleagues and peers

In a New York Times opinion piece, Bret Stephens, author of the book The Dying Art of Disagreement, said, “We have lost the art of disagreement”. How often have you been in conversation with a friend or colleague and dismissed what they say without hearing their side of the argument? While this may make you feel good  – “I certainly sorted him/her out” – it doesn’t teach you very much. Engage in debate and don’t switch off when others disagree with you – you never know what you will learn or how your opinions may evolve by letting the discussion flow.

Tip 10 - Humanise your virtual experience

Virtual is simply a different way to connect with people; and technology is just a tool that allows us to come together. As in traditional education, learning in the virtual space happens through conversations and other social interactions. Remember the last time you truly learned something new? To gather new knowledge and hone your skills, you need to actively engage: with the preparatory content, by speaking up during the live sessions, or by sharing your experience with peers in group work. Be proactive to fully take advantage of the accumulated wealth of knowledge in your virtual learning community, including outside the formal schedule.

At the GCSP, we educate. We equip individuals and organisations across sectors to learn and lead through our 70+ online, blended and customised courses, workshops and advisory services across 20 topics. See our trainings here.

Disclaimer: The views, information and opinions expressed in the written publications are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those shared by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy or its employees. The GCSP is not responsible for and may not always verify the accuracy of the information contained in the written publications submitted by a writer.