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Students take turns presenting their favorite digital tool or app that helps them with their studies. They demonstrate how to use it and explain why it's valuable. Each presenter has 5 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A. Tools can include note-taking apps, citation managers, planning tools, etc. (Panchenko, 2021).

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Students would be provided with a fictional semester schedule including classes, assignments, group projects, and personal commitments. They must use a digital calendar tool to organize everything effectively, set reminders, and share calendars with group members. Finally, presenting their organization strategy to small groups.

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Students learn to use a citation manager or through hands-on practice for APA format. They must add 5 different types of sources, create a reference page, and insert citations into a provided document. Partners review each other's work using a checklist.

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Assign a group project that must be completed entirely using digital collaboration tools. Teams must use video conferencing, shared documents, project management tools, and digital whiteboards to complete a simple task. Reflect on the effectiveness of tools and challenges in collaboration.

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10 virtual collaboration tools to boost productivity and engagement | Penn LPS Online

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Since the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, the modern workforce has seen a dramatic shift from physical office spaces to fully remote or hybrid work environments. Many employers were surprised to find that when their employees enjoyed greater flexibility, including the ability—or in this case, the necessity—to work from home, their productivity levels remained high.

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Create a competitive activity where students must find specific academic articles using university database tools. Include challenges like finding peer-reviewed articles, using advanced search features, and saving references. Award points for speed and accuracy.

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Create an online escape room using Google Forms where students must solve puzzles related to digital security. Include challenges about strong passwords, two-factor authentication, identifying phishing attempts, and safe file sharing practices.

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Omega Protocol: 3D Virtual Escape Room Top-Rated Virtual Event

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Test your puzzle-solving skills to foil an international bio-terrorist ring before it’s too late

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Create a timed challenge where students must complete various tasks within the learning management system (e.g., Google Classroom, Canvas, Blackboard, Halo). Include submitting assignments, participating in discussions, checking grades, and adjusting notification settings. The first to complete all tasks correctly wins.

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20% of the class speaks a language other than English, which also aligns with the ethnic diversity of the class.

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60% of learners have worked to serve others in healthcare or education. Half of the learners have at least one higher education degree.

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The majority prefer visual learning, but also learn through hands-on and reading/writing.

The majority of the class is comfortable using technology, but there are some students that will need support.

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Time constraints and test anxiety are the two most prominent challenges. There are also learning disabilities as well as technology literacy challenges.

All learners are looking to improve themselves; some professionally and some personally.

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A sense of belonging is essential in adult learning. It affects motivation, engagement, and persistence. According to Lawson (2005), Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places belonging after physiological and safety needs, highlighting its importance as more significant than achieving higher learning and self-actualization. When adult learners feel valued and connected in a learning environment, they are more likely to engage in their growth and embrace transformative learning experiences. Transformative learning theory, developed by Mezirow (1991), emphasizes that critical reflection and discussions with others can lead to personal changes. These interactions work best when learners feel safe and included.

Mackh (2024) notes that adult learning environments must intentionally build community through careful design. This can involve strategies like inclusive discussion forums, collaborative projects, and personalized feedback that acknowledge learners’ varied experiences and perspectives. In my own digital toolkit, the design includes icebreaker activities, cohort-based mentoring, and multimedia storytelling to create connections and shared goals. These aspects not only support cognitive development but also nurture the emotional and social aspects of learning, enhancing the learner's sense of belonging and dedication to the learning process.