Authors
Nicole A. Graves, Ph.D., CFCS-HDFS South Dakota State University
Jennifer S. Reinke, Ph.D. Colorado State University
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education at all levels and required educators and students to pivot quickly to distance and remote learning. This abrupt change challenged all involved. Educators scrambled to adopt new technology that would not only help them reach their students but also keep students moving forward towards achieving important learning goals. Overarching educational goals known as 21st Century Learning Skills have been in place since the early 2000s. This article shares experiences faced by two university faculty members who rooted their approach to teaching during the pandemic in the four C’s of 21st Century Learning: communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. During their journey, they also discovered the importance of three additional C’s useful for meeting student needs: compassion, community, and consistency. This article shares tips and strategies for effective teaching during the pandemic along with ideas for future practice and research.
