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Capgemini Partners with Coursera to Upskill Employees and Promote a Culture of Lifelong Learning

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Capgemini Partners with Coursera to Upskill Employees and Promote a Culture of Lifelong Learning

By Anthony Tattersall, Senior Director of Enterprise, EMEA at Coursera

We are excited to announce that Capgemini, a global leader in consulting, digital transformation, technology, and engineering services, has partnered with Coursera to offer high-quality learning to its employees. Starting today, Capgemini’s employees in nearly 50 countries will have access to 4,000 courses on Coursera for Business. 

No one could have predicted the impact that COVID-19 has had on the world of work and the dramatic way it will change how businesses operate and serve customers in the long-term. For Capgemini, it has reinforced its business imperative of encouraging employees to continuously learn and stay abreast of new trends and skills to better support customers. 

The global launch follows a successful pre-launch that started in February, which saw more than 25,000 Capgemini employees enroll in courses on Coursera for Business, with more than 22,000 courses completed to date. 

Our catalog of high-quality courses aligns with Capgemini’s goals to enhance the learning of critical new skills, such as those in digital, professional services and cloud computing. This will help employees more easily adapt to changing business needs, encouraging a culture of lifelong learning and individual growth for greater employee engagement. 

There are 4,000 courses on offer to Capgemini employees across business, technology, data science, and personal development. The partnership also complements the launch of Capgemini’s Digital Learning Hub, NEXT. The hub brings together a wide range of the best online courses, updated continuously to allow employees to build their development path as well as to share their learnings and experiences.

We applaud Capgemini’s commitment to helping employees worldwide access learning and skills that will support their work and careers during this time and beyond. 

Coursera for Business provides a world-class learning platform for companies that need to upskill, reskill, and deepskill their talent. With topics ranging from digital transformation and data science to software development and leadership, over 2,400 companies trust the Coursera for Business enterprise platform to transform their talent.

 

How well has Africa managed COVID-19?

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How well has Africa managed COVID-19?

At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, there were dire predictions about the spread of the virus through Africa. The continent was deemed a high-risk area for the spread of this deadly new disease.

However, six months into the pandemic and Africa has largely bucked the trend. While European and American countries have seen deaths in the tens of thousands – and healthcare systems straining to cope – we are yet to see the same scenes play out in African countries.

As St George’s University of London, in partnership with Ilara Health – a Nairobi-based health-tech company – launch a new course exploring how African primary care workers can manage the outbreak, we spoke to Mohammed Razai – Academic Clinical Fellow in Primary Care at St George’s, University of London –  and Maximilian Mancini – Chief Strategy Officer at Ilara Health – about what COVID-19 looks like on the ground in Africa.

Join ‘COVID-19 in Africa’

 How has Africa fared so far?

According to Mohammed Razai, “the apocalyptic predictions that COVID-19 would unleash catastrophe in the African continent, thankfully, has not yet come true. According to the WHO, Africa is the least affected part of the world with only 1.5% of the global COVID-19 cases and 0.1% reported deaths.”

This goes against initial predictions, which were, he says “rightly gloomy”. After all: 

Most African countries are low or middle income with very fragile, resource-poor health systems both in terms of health infrastructure – Burkina Faso has nine intensive care unit beds – and scarcity of human resources such as frontline caregivers  – most West African countries have less than two doctors per 10,000 population, compared to, for example, Italy with 41 doctors per 10,000 people. There are also significant problems around access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

In spite of this, while Western countries have struggled to contain coronavirus, African nations have, by-and-large, coped relatively well. South Africa has seen the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 on the continent, with almost 1,000.

How has Africa controlled COVID-19?

Maximilian Mancini at Ilara Health argues that this is the result of a mixture of factors. Governments in many African countries were “fairly quick with their internal responses”, with South Africa fully shutting the country down, and Nigeria and Kenya enacting “curfews, suspension of international flights, and restricted local movement”.

Mancini also points to Africa’s youthful demographic as key in keeping death rates low. It has been established that COVID-19 is most dangerous to people over 75 – the median age in Africa is 19.7. He also argues that “previous immunization campaigns across the continent such as the BCG vaccines against TB could be playing some role as well.”

Razai says that African countries had an advantage that many ‘developed’ nations lacked – an existing healthcare response network to outbreaks of infectious diseases, particularly in relation to the Ebola virus. 

“Although Ebola is a completely different disease,” he explains, “the containment measures are essentially the same: self-isolation, contact tracing, and behaviour change such as physical distancing and hand hygiene. Many countries with recent Ebola outbreaks are repurposing their isolation facilities and have mobilised effective contact tracing in their communities.”

What challenges does COVID-19 still pose for Africa?

While the pandemic is so far yet to explode across the continent, both Razai and Mancini are keen to stress we are still in the foothills of the outbreak, and African healthcare systems face multiple challenges in the months ahead.

Access to testing for the virus – crucial to gauging its spread – is often limited at best. According to Mancini:

This is a function of a limited number of labs able to run PCR testing, weak and fragmented private healthcare systems that hinder point-of-care rapid testing, and an equally weak supply chain hindering the uptake of testing capacity. All of this is also exacerbated when taking into account the global competition for various testing supplies, where African countries struggle to compete with Western countries in securing scarce supplies.

Nevertheless, Razai points out that, “the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which was established in 2016, has been very effective in coordinating a continental response in conjunction with the WHO. It expanded testing capacity as far back as February and has acted swiftly in containment strategies”.

Mancini agrees that “testing capacity has been increasing, with countries such as Kenya receiving donated mobile labs and local supply efforts”.

Do African primary care workers have access to PPE?

Testing is just one part of the picture regarding how primary care workers can manage COVID-19. The (limited) supply of personal protective equipment for doctors and nurses has been a big issue in the West. So far, this has been less of a problem for Africa.

Mancini believes there are three reasons for this. The current low number of cases is yet to strain the centralised healthcare systems that provide protective equipment. Social stigma around COVID-19 means many with symptoms might be staying home, rather than seeking care.

And, if “caseloads could dramatically increase in the coming months (as is still the general consensus), limited adherence to standard of practice around infection prevention control (IPC) and PPE management might result in significant material recycling, thereby lowering the need for PPE.”

For Razai, Africa’s response to the limitations of its healthcare systems – preferring preventative measures such as self-isolation and nationwide lockdowns – brings with it its own issues:

“Self-isolation of the vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions is more difficult [in Africa] as families are on average larger and several generations live in the same household, hence the risk of viral transmission within families is high.”

Meanwhile, the lack of PPE has also provoked strong local responses and shown the ingenuity of African entrepreneurship. In Kenya, “local entrepreneurs have been re-purposing their 3D printers to print face shields”, while in Nigeria “local tailors have begun creating cloth masks.”

It’s also important to remember that the African response hasn’t been homogenous – each country has reacted to the pandemic in its own way.  While countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda opted for strict early lockdowns, Ghana and Malawi have had limited or no lockdown measures.

As Razai argues, “For many low- and middle-income countries in the region, the challenge is a trade-off between saving lives from COVID-19 and the potential loss of more lives from poverty and malnutrition, social unrest, and economic collapse.”

What challenges does Africa face against coronavirus?

Moving forward, the continent’s ability to test for the virus remains limited, a fact that Mancini says, “hinders primary care health workers from being able to identify those with the virus.”

The region also faces challenges around “education and information sharing, with the primary care infrastructure across the continent rarely receiving the same level of educational support and training experienced in the more developed parts of the world”. And, finally, he says, the stigma around coronavirus means “patients suffering from COVID-like symptoms are less likely to seek diagnosis and, eventually, care.”

There is also a danger that the focus on COVID-19 takes attention and resources away from other infectious diseases that haven’t gone away. Only recently, a new outbreak of Ebola was confirmed to have taken place in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mancini points to worrying drops in visits to care clinics, saying that, “this is rapidly becoming a central issue across the continent”.

Razai similarly argues that, “COVID-19 can divert resources away from routine primary and community care such as childhood immunisations. UNICEF estimates at least 80 million children under the age of one will be at risk of preventable diseases due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, including on the African continent.”

Nevertheless, how Africa has managed the pandemic so far has given cause for hope – and shown how preconceptions of disease management in the West were skewed.

Many assumed that Europe and America would cope, while Africa would be swamped – instead, the opposite has occurred. Africa has so far used its prior expertise in disease management to keep the virus at bay.

How confident should we be about Africa’s continued response?

Mancini says he is “cautiously optimistic” about the future of the pandemic in Africa. “We are talking about a continent with…possible demographic traits, local ingenuity, and a long history of having to respond to widespread disease outbreaks”. This gives him “some comfort that the continent might be spared the worst”.

For Razai, “the African continent is particularly vulnerable and its initial success in containing the virus does not mean it is out of the woods.” He believes that “developed countries should step up and respond generously to the UN Humanitarian response plan to fund PPEs, testing kits, medical equipment, immunisations campaigns, and procurement of essential food and sanitation supplies.” 

Only international collaboration and sharing of data and expertise can stop the virus in the long term. As Mancini puts it:

“A complete understanding of the virus and its various manifestations will be key in the approach the world takes to manage future outbreaks.”

To learn more about Africa’s response to COVID-19, and how primary care workers can help patients in low-resource environments, sign up to COVID-19 in Africa: Managing the Outbreak in Primary Care Settings from St George’s, University of London.

Join ‘COVID-19 in Africa’

 

Category Coronavirus, Current Issues

How has Lockdown changed the job market?

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How has Lockdown changed the job market?

As we draw closer to the midway point of 2020, we can all reflect on what an unusual year it’s been so far. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined back in January. But as the weeks of lockdown have rolled by, we’re becoming used to a new normal. So, as the global economy starts moving again and people return to work, what do we know about what’s changed in the job market during COVDI-19? 

We take a closer look at the overall picture in the labour market, what’s changed in how we work, and how certain industries are faring during this unprecedented time.

The UK declared a lockdown on March 23. For many of us, this meant we couldn’t go to work as we normally would. During the uncertainty, people were left wondering what this meant for their jobs. Thankfully, the UK government launched their furlough scheme on April 20, paying 80% of people’s wages if they couldn’t work. 

Recent figures show that, as of May 24, some 8.4 million jobs have been furloughed since the scheme launched. Although some people are starting to return to work, many will continue to rely on the scheme. This incentive has been extended through to October (with some alterations).  

Although the furlough scheme has brought relief to many people, there has also been a surge in unemployment. Around 856,500 people signed up for benefits such as universal credit and jobseeker’s allowance in April, an increase of 69%. 

There have been similar trends across the global job market during COVID-19. The US, in particular, has been badly hit, with nearly 1 in 4 Americans claiming unemployment benefits. Additionally, recruiters in many countries have seen a significant decline in hiring activity since the pandemic began. 

All of this makes for somewhat grim reading. But it’s not all bad news. Some industries are still hiring, people are slowly returning to work, and government schemes exist to support workers. 

Hiring in a pandemic

One of the biggest changes to the job market during COVID-19 is the way companies are approaching recruitment. Companies are still looking to fill vacancies during this hectic time. However, current social distancing measure makes traditional means of hiring more challenging. 

Despite the current hurdles, businesses are finding ways of hiring new staff. The process just looks a little different now. So, if you are searching for a new job, here are some of the ways you might interview for the role given the current circumstances: 

  • Telephone interviews. Although a popular first step of the recruitment process before coronavirus, it’s become even more prevalent recently. It’s a good way of initially gauging whether you’re the right fit for the role. 
  • Video interviews. During lockdown, many of us have been using video calls to keep in touch with loved ones. Platforms like Zoom can also be a great way of conducting an interview. It’s a useful replacement for face-to-face and panel interviews. 
  • Online tests. Tests are a fairly common part of the recruitment process. While in-person assessments aren’t possible right now, companies are turning to online solutions instead. They can be a great way of proving your credentials when applying for a job. 

Remote working 

Technology is rapidly changing the way we live and work. One of the saving graces of the coronavirus pandemic is that many people have been able to work remotely. At the height of lockdown, those who were able to work from home were asked to do so. 

Although this way of remote working was new to many of us, it’s actually a trend that’s been emerging for a while. In 2019, Airbnb’s Future of Work report revealed that 77% of UK workers think being able to work remotely is important. 

There are studies to back up the merits of this way of working, too. The American Psychology Association found that workers who had the ability to work remotely were more satisfied with their jobs and more productive. 

So, whether you’re in work or applying for new roles, the job market during COVID-19 certainly has a focus on working from home. For many, this added flexibility is a great addition. But there are certainly pitfalls. It can be hard to set boundaries and not overwork. Plus, the lack of human interaction can be difficult for many. 

The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted the job market, both in the UK and internationally. Across the UK in April, advertised vacancies were 49% lower than they were the previous year. But some industries have been hit particularly hard. 

Between lockdown and social distancing measures, it’s not surprising that some sectors have been hit worse than others. Even with government support, the pressure has been immense on some businesses. It’s hard to quantify exactly which industry has been hit the hardest. But a combination of lost revenues and fewer jobs is clear across many. This includes: 

Hospitality and leisure

With mandatory closures and social distancing in place, the hospitality and leisure industry has been hit particularly badly. If you think of things like hotels, pubs, travel, and sport, it’s not hard to see why. 

According to one report, small- and medium-sized businesses in the sector lost an average of 54% of their monthly business income. 

Manufacturing 

The manufacturing industry in the UK has seen its worst slump in nearly 30 years. Areas such as new orders, employment, and overall output have all rapidly declined. Figures show that jobs in the industry are down 58% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic started. 

Again, lockdown restrictions have meant that places like factories and some warehouses haven’t been able to open.

Food and drink 

With the closure of bars, pubs and restaurants, the food and drink industry is another that has felt the impact of COVID-19. Although people are eating more at home, out-of-home consumption has all but halted. Businesses in this industry traditionally rely on money coming from people eating out, which has been impossible during lockdown. 

Energy

At the height of lockdown, it seemed like nearly the entire country had come to a standstill. And, with a decrease in transportation and trade across the globe, the demand for energy went down. Estimates suggest that this decline was around 18-25% per week. 

As well as a decrease in demand for energy, jobs in the UK also declined significantly. Some figures suggest there are 73% fewer advertised vacancies in this industry.  

Retail

As all non-essential shops were closed from the start of lockdown, it’s little surprise to see the retail industry hit so hard. Job vacancies declined nearly 80% during April. On top of that, chains such as Debenhams, Laura Ashley, and Cath Kidston have all gone into administration since the start of lockdown. 

Although things may seem pretty bleak at the moment, there are always positives to be found in times of crisis. Despite the current climate, there are some industries where the job market during COVID-19 is thriving. 

Many of these areas have seen either a demand for new staff or an increase in demand for services. Often, these sectors already had much of the infrastructure to deal with the crisis caused by the pandemic. 

As companies across the country (and the world) adjust to a new normal, we’ve outlined some industries that have recently seen increased demand. We’ve also picked out some ways you can think about getting involved in these areas:

Healthcare

Now, more than ever, we appreciate how vital our healthcare systems are. The people working throughout the NHS and other healthcare services continue to prove how vital they are. And the healthcare job market during COVID-19 is further proof of this. 

Data shows that only 9% of employees in health and social work were furloughed. Similarly, only around 10% of jobs in the industry were at risk, compared to an average of 24%. Only those in the IT and water supply, sewage and waste industries had a smaller proportion. 

Of course, there are many different areas of the healthcare industry. If you’re thinking of entering the field, you can find all kinds of courses that will help develop your knowledge. If you’re interested in learning about the coronavirus outbreak, for example, you could take our course on COVID-19. 

We even have a course on managing COVID-19 in primary care. This three-week course is led by experts at St George’s University of London. It helps keep existing healthcare professionals up-to-date with the latest advice related to the virus.

Discover healthcare courses

Wellness 

Health and wellbeing have never been more important than they are right now. This need is also reflected in the boom of the home wellness industry. While many of us have been stuck at home during lockdown, we’ve looked to apps, online fitness classes, and other social wellness opportunities to stay healthy. 

According to an expert from the Global Wellness Institute, people stuck inside were desperate for company. As such, people have been searching for collaborative videos including ‘with me’ in the title at a greater rate than ever. 

People in the UK have been buying a range of fitness equipment, such as yoga mats and kettlebells. Similarly, the popular meditation app Headspace experienced a 19-fold jump in users taking a calming exercise. Evidently, the need to stay healthy, both mentally and physically, is resulting in a boom in the wellness job market during COVID-19. 

You can learn about why mindfulness and wellbeing are such important tools during times of crisis. You can take a variety of courses that can help with things like stress, sleep, eating, and overall wellbeing.

Explore mindfulness and wellbeing courses

Online education 

At the end of April, an estimated 1.2 billion children across the globe were out of the classroom.  With schools and universities closed, remote learning and online education have become essential. As such, the industry has experienced a surge in popularity. 

Although schools in the UK are gradually starting to open, this shift towards e-learning has shown just how useful technology can be in many different industries. Things like language apps, video conferencing lessons, online learning software, and virtual tutoring have all become popular. 

And it’s not just the students who have turned to online education while they’re out of school. Parents have also been trying to brush up on their knowledge, as they take charge of their children’s at-home education. Learners of all ages can benefit from this method of study, which is why the industry continues to thrive. 

At FutureLearn, we have a wide variety of courses related to online education. For those looking to improve their online learning skills, you’ll find multiple opportunities. If you’re more focused on the teaching side of things, there are many relevant courses, including those about teaching for home learners.

Learn how to teach online

eCommerce 

Despite retail sales declining in bricks and mortar stores, the online sector has seen an overall increase in sales. Online orders increased around 200% in the UK during April and the early part of May.  While people are forced to stay home and shops are closed, this comes as little surprise. 

The world of eCommerce brings convenience and efficiency, giving people a huge range of options to choose from. With social distancing measures set to be around for a while, its continued growth seems likely. 

It’s an industry that relies on a wide range of digital marketing skills. There are also all kinds of roles related to eCommerce. You could manage content, write engaging copy, optimise websites for search engines, market on social media, and more. Of course, customer insight and analytics are also essential skills. 

Digital technology is having a huge impact on our lives, and understanding these digital skills in retail can be hugely beneficial for your career.

Discover digital skills 

Pharmaceuticals 

Pharmaceutical companies are playing a significant role in the pandemic. As well as research into vaccines, there is ongoing research into diagnostics, technologies, and other treatments. According to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, in May, there were over 1,000 clinical trials and more than 150 treatments being tested.

As healthcare systems around the world prepare to deal with the impacts of the virus, the pharmaceuticals job market during COVID-19 has continued to grow. So much so that massive companies such as Gilead and Eli Lilly have seen stock market gains. 

With FutureLearn’s pharmacy courses, you can pursue your interest and improve your knowledge in the area. It’s a vast field, with loads of fascinating subjects. Whether you want to learn about genetics in medicine or the basics of good pharmacy practice, you can find a relevant course. 

Explore pharmacy courses

Gaming 

We’ve mentioned gaming a few times in recent posts. There’s been a surge in popularity across all platforms since the start of the pandemic. A survey conducted in March found that gamers in the UK reported they spent 29% more time playing video games during the quarantine. 

With the entertainment industry hit by closures, people have turned to these forms of at-home entertainment to pass the time. As such, global spending on digital games rose to its highest monthly total ever, a staggering $10 billion. 

That’s not to say the industry hasn’t been impacted by COVID-19. Many high-profile releases have been hit by delays, while basically all games conventions and expos have been cancelled.

However, a career in games development could be a rewarding one. Like many other technology-driven industries, the games job market during COVID-19 has plenty of opportunities. The UK’s indie gaming industry, for example, continues to thrive.

Find game development courses

It’s undoubtedly a strange time for everyone right now. And, with furloughs, unemployment, redundancies, and more, it seems like a difficult time in the job market too. However, there are some glimmers of hope, and as the world takes steps out of lockdown, things will hopefully start to move again. 

Whereas industries such as hospitality, retail, and food and drink have been hit hard, others have thrived. It’s difficult to know when the job market will pick up again, but experts remain hopeful that the UK economy will bounce back reasonably quickly. 

During this challenging time, technology has played a key role in keeping us all connected. Additionally, it has also changed the way we think about applying for jobs and recruitment. Companies are far more likely to interview remotely, which is one of the big changes we’ve seen in the Job Market During COVID-19.

Ultimately, whether you’re currently working or not, there is never a bad time to start learning some new skills. If you have career goals in mind or are just hoping to improve your employability skills, an online course can help.

Soft skills: what they are and how to develop them

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Soft skills: what they are and how to develop them

What are soft skills? 

Soft skills are the personality traits, behaviours, and interpersonal skills that we use to interact with other people. In the workplace, they represent our ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others, and it’s for this reason they are exactly the type of skills that employers look for. According to the Society of Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) ‘2019 State of the Workplace’ review, soft skills represent the top three missing skills amongst job applicants. 

Soft skills are not usually tied to specific professions, rather they relate to our personalities and, as such, they are highly transferable skills. Although they’re less tangible than hard skills, they can still be learnt and developed, and employers will value any qualifications you have that demonstrate a willingness to improve them.

Some fundamental soft skills for the workplace include creativity, persuasion, emotional intelligence, and collaboration. We’ll look into each in more detail below. 

Why are soft skills important? 

Soft skills are vital to employers, so much so that a 2018 survey by LinkedIn found that 57% of senior leaders thought that soft skills were even more important than hard skills. In part, this is due to their versatility.

Effective communication under high stress, empathising or encouraging a team member who might be struggling, and working collaboratively to meet a deadline are all examples of soft skills that carry the highest importance to any organisation. 

Soft skills also represent many abilities that can’t be replicated by artificial intelligence (AI), which will only increase their importance in the future. 

By understanding what soft skills are and discovering how you can develop your soft skills, you will strengthen your CV or resume, which is especially useful if you’re thinking about changing roles or careers.

To get you started, we’ve put together a list of soft skills below and how you can develop them. We’ve also signposted to relevant soft skills courses you can take for free on FutureLearn. 

The most important soft skills

Creativity 

What is creativity? 

According to LinkedIn’s 2019 skills survey, creativity is the most important skill in the workplace. But creativity as a soft skill doesn’t mean you need to be an artist or designer. It’s about learning to think in a creative way and finding innovative solutions to solve problems for your organisation.

As repetitive working tasks are increasingly automated, it’s the creative employee who will be highly valued as they can not only complete the work but also think about how to improve the process itself. 

How to be more creative

Learning to approach your work in a more creative, even unorthodox, way is something that you can learn to do.

Simple things like keeping an open mind when confronted with ideas rather than immediately shutting them down or utilising creative techniques like mind maps, role-playing, or provocations can be extremely helpful. 

Join:

Using Creative Problem Solving – Learn how to solve everyday problems using creativity and gain a competitive edge in the workplace.

Get Creative with People to Solve Problems – Discover the principles of human-centred design — a creative approach to problem-solving.

Communication

What are communication skills?

Effective communication in the workplace is based on your ability to converse productively with others. If you’re able to speak to people clearly and politely, whilst at the same listen empathetically to what colleagues, customers or clients have to say, you will be more productive and achieve better results.

Successful communication involves verbal, nonverbal and written skills, coupled with an understanding of active listening. 

How to improve communication skills 

Communications are a key aspect of almost all jobs and are utilised every day, so learning how to communicate effectively is a crucial skill.

You can take steps to improve your communication by focusing on the basics, like simplifying your message or doing a quick check of how your body language might be affecting your communication skills. Plus, make sure you’re fully engaged when you’re listening to others as this will lead them to be more attentive when you’re speaking. 

Join:

Communication and Interpersonal Skills at Work – Improve your communication skills at work and learn how to navigate positive collaboration in the modern workplace.

Business Fundamentals: Effective Communication – Gain a practical grounding in communication to boost your personal effectiveness, save yourself time, and reduce your stress levels.

Emotional intelligence

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is your ability to understand and control your own emotions, whilst at the same time recognising and empathising withthe emotions of those around you. 

Emotional intelligence in the workplace is a highly sought after soft skill. Being able to harness your own emotions whilst understanding your colleagues’ motivations and feelings will lead to more harmonious and productive relationships. 

Emotional intelligence is also a highly prized soft skill in high pressure roles, when remaining calm is key, or those that involve negotiation, when you need to understand the other side’s position.

How to be more emotionally intelligent

Taking the time to work on your emotional intelligence may seem a little unusual, as many of the key facets, such as empathy or self-awareness can seem like innate qualities. However, these are all skills that can be developed with the right training.

For example, think of a workplace situation where your emotions may have worked against you, and think about how this affected the outcome. Use that as a starting position for developing your self-awareness, which is the first step to improving emotional intelligence.

Join:

Emotional Intelligence at Work – Discover why emotional intelligence is such an important workplace skill, and learn how it can be used to resolve conflict and build better relationships.

Critical Thinking

What is critical thinking? 

Critical thinking is the ability to reason and analyse information effectively. In the workplace, critical thinking involves the process of taking information or problems and processing them in the most logical way to extract value and find solutions.

It’s a highly valued soft skill, in part because it works so well in tandem with other soft skills. For example, if you have strong critical thinking skills, it will improve your time management because you can solve problems quicker. 

How to improve critical thinking

Being able to demonstrate situations where you have employed critical thinking to employers is a valuable asset. The first step to thinking more critically is to consider thoroughly the information you’re presented with.

Ask questions, explore motivations on all sides, and don’t take anything at face value. By rigorously evaluating information, you’ll be better placed to make informed decisions, which is the essence of critical thinking. 

Join:

Logical and Critical Thinking – Improve your logical and critical thinking skills and demonstrate to employers that you understand the key concepts of the subject. 

Adaptability 

What is adaptability?

Adaptability, or flexibility, is the ability to embrace change and challenges with a positive, resourceful attitude.

We all face unexpected problems in the workplace, but those with strong adaptability skills are able to approach these calmly and find solutions quicker than those who might be less flexible. 

Also, as the modern workplace is constantly evolving, having a level of resilience to these changes and an ability to view them as opportunities rather than obstacles is an attractive asset to employers. 

How to improve your adaptability 

Adaptability means being resourceful, curious, and persistent. Learning how to add this to your own skill set takes practice but it’s worth the effort. 

Try studying colleagues who you perceive as being especially flexible or whose workplace attitude you’d like to replicate. You could take notes on their behaviours or ask them directly for guidance.

If you’re facing a particularly difficult challenge, try and find the positives  – there will usually be some, even if it’s just the opportunity to show how you’ve overcome a problem. 

Join:

Wellbeing and Resilience at Work – Discover how to boost your adaptability and resilience in the workplace. 

Collaboration 

What is collaboration? 

Collaboration – or teamwork– is the ability to work effectively with your colleagues. It encompasses and requires a variety of other important soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication. 

Working collaboratively means you can solve problems quicker and better understand your own strengths and weaknesses. Working together also fosters a healthy work environment of learning and sharing between colleagues. 

How to work more collaboratively

Working together with others towards a common goal is a crucial and common aspect of many roles, so being able to do it effectively is a skill worth investing in. 

Learning how to work more collaboratively first requires a self-analysis of where you feel you work well in a team and where you think you could improve.

Next time you find yourself in a collaborative working situation, try and take on a role you’re not used to. This will help you develop a full spectrum of collaborative working skills. 

Join:

Career Credentials: Evidence Your Expertise in Teamwork – Showcase your collaborative working skills and use this course to progress in your career.

Collaborative Working in a Remote Team – Learn how to work effectively and collaboratively with your team, whether you’re at home or on the other side of the world. This skill will be key as many are forced to work from home due to coronavirus.

Browse our full list of soft skills courses

What will COVID-19 mean for universities and colleges in 2020/2021?

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What will COVID-19 mean for universities and colleges in 2020/2021?

According to UNESCO, the outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted the education of 1.5 billion learners across the world – 91% of the world’s student population.

In the university and college sector, institutions have been forced to close the doors to their campuses. Students studying practical courses have had to put their learning on hold. Those studying theoretical courses have had to shift to learning at home, with teaching moving online.

This is a level of disruption the likes of which we have never seen before. Many are speculating that degree delivery at universities and colleges will never be the same again.  

What will the coronavirus pandemic mean for higher education in the coming year? Here are some trends we expect to see.

More collaboration between universities

While, in the short-term at least, the above trend is ominous for the university sector, we may see some positives arising from adversity.

In the UK, the pressures of marketised higher education and preponderance of rankings has led to high levels of competition between institutions. Some commentators anticipate that the pandemic will reverse this trend, leading to more collaboration among universities. The necessities of this crisis will see universities work together to ensure that the needs of incoming and current students and researchers are met.

Anthony Seldon, vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham, also advocates a stronger union between UK universities under the aegis of Universities UK. This would give the sector a more coherent voice in dialogue with the media and government. The role universities have played in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic will have built some goodwill for the sector. This will help reassert the relevance of universities to society as a public good, deserving of funding and protection.

In February, Universities UK president Julie Buckingham made the case in The Telegraph for the creation of a framework that would measure the positive impact of universities beyond the boosting of graduate salaries. At a time of national need, this may be a good time for the sector to come together and make this case. 

One of the proposed indicators in this framework is the proportion of graduates working in essential public services. Given the reassertion of the importance of nurses in recent months, we might presume few would object too strongly to this measure.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen universities, research institutes, and industry come together to advance our understanding of the epidemic. These links may well set down a precedent for further positive research collaborations to find the solutions to shared challenges.

Below, we consider the impact of shifting teaching online. Some speculate we may also see research following suit, creating a paradigm which facilitates greater inter-institution collaboration as the walls, figuratively at least, come down.

The HE sector could play a role in recovery

In February, the Higher Education Policy Institute published a report calling for a reassessment of the role that universities can play in serving society’s needs.

This report calls for a focus on skills at both a local and national level, through a foundation of a National Skills Council with access to £400 million worth government funds. It also proposes that a share of national funding for innovation is rerouted to local investment, and a civic index is created to help monitor institutions’ local engagement. To improve access, the report tables the scrapping of first-year fees for those who are the first in their family to attend to university, and that outreach programmes are strengthened.

However, these are all recommendations, and there is no guarantee that all or any of the suggestions are taken up by the UK government. With economic growth and employment likely to be hit hard by the coronavirus epidemic, the issue of how to bring about recovery will be the most pressing issue of the next few years.

Though this report was written and published before the coronavirus pandemic had hit the UK, it outlines the ways in which universities can be the backbone of recovery. By focusing on the creation of skills, civic engagement, and widening access – particularly at a time of lower employment – the worst damage could be at least mitigated. The regional focus also would serve to boost local economies and job creation, rather than just looking to London.

This report builds on the Augar Review, published in May 2019. This headline recommendation of this report was the lowering of annual tuition fees from £9,000 to £7,500 and the reintroduction of means-tested grants up to £3,000. The review also advocates moving away from structuring loans around undergraduate degrees, and instead packaging them as a lifelong learning allowance.

These recommendations consider FE and HE as being part of one system, geared towards plugging national and regional skills gaps. It also pushes for giving universities the right to award certifications at lower levels than a full-length degree. This greater flexibility would be intended to allow universities to serve the needs of a more diverse student base, and to effectively meet collective needs.

Teaching will shift online, requiring new skills for educators

With social-distancing measures forcing universities to close down physical campuses, much provision has been moved online by necessity. Cambridge University recently announced it was moving all lectures online until the summer of 2021. Other universities are likely to follow suit.

While no one was expecting such a drastic shift, online teaching has already been becoming increasingly prevalent in recent years.  

In the US, according to the Department of Education, 34.7% of enrolled students took at least one online class in 2018. While a good proportion of these (16.3%) were enrolled in fully-online degrees, most (18.4%) took an online class as part of a traditional degree. This latter figure increased from 16.5% in 2016. Online teaching, then, was already becoming a crucial part of higher education delivery.

We don’t have equivalent figures for the UK. We have seen, however, increasing numbers of students from countries like the US, Canada, and Australia enrolling in online degrees, even in the face of a short-term decline in overall numbers. We might also note that the first-year cohort at The Open University is more than twice the size of any other university.

Will the coronavirus pandemic accelerate the shift to online university teaching? 

Some commentators have speculated that this will be a ‘black swan’ moment – an unforeseeable event that changes things forever. Despite the case being made for incorporating online education over the years, it has traditionally been seen as the poor relation of in-person provision. But following its centrality during the coronavirus outbreak, might faculty and students become converts to the flexibility and possibilities of online higher education?

In theory this could be a success. There is no evidence that classroom-based learning produces better outcomes. On the other hand, it has also been shown that online provision often leaves a lot to be desired, potentially exacerbating already existing attainment gaps.

The latter findings are particularly in reference to for-profit provision in the US, often targeted at traditionally left-behind learners. At the root of the inequity in evidence here is a lack of meaningful interactions between staff and students, and among students themselves. Social interaction has been proven elsewhere to be at the heart of positive learning outcomes in online learning.

This shows how successful course design and delivery are key for online teaching to be a success. Zoom lectures and emailed crib sheets are not enough. There needs to be real contact between students and staff.

The speed at which the coronavirus pandemic has turned the HE sector on its head means that many universities, academics, and curriculum designers will have been caught unprepared. For online delivery to be a success, institutions have to wholeheartedly commit themselves, investing and strategizing.  

The need to prepare instructors

Potentially, these changes will be for the better – widening access, shifting in-person interactions to be more productive, and stripping away competition in favour of collaboration.

For these positive changes to be brought about, however, educators must know how to teach online successfully. The good news is that all the pieces necessary for successful online education delivery are in place. Many students are digital natives, adept at using technology in every aspect of their lives. Course designers and technologists at universities and colleges are there to support teaching staff, and a wide range of general and specialised software is available to aid delivery.

Many tertiary educators are not entirely comfortable with online teaching. Only 9% of academics prefer to teach in a mostly online environment, according to a 2019 study from Educause. And while 51% are comfortable with blended learning environments, most of these (30%) prefer a mostly face-to-face teaching environment. No less than 43% of survey respondents preferred an exclusively face-to-face teaching environment.

This online shift will come as a shock to the system, then. But there is no escape from the necessities engendered by social distancing. It’s not just the immediate future for which tutors need to be ready – it may be that the crisis changes higher education in the long-term.

In order to support those responsible for the delivery of online education, FutureLearn and The Open University are offering Online Teaching: Creating Courses for Adult Learners.

This microcredential is aimed at those in the sector responsible for designing online courses – from lecturers to course designers to technologists and is part of a planned suite of programs addressing all aspects of online education.

Discover the Online Teaching microcredential

Learners will explore how adults learn online through the prism of various key theories. They will evaluate different technologies and delivery methods, gauging them for appropriateness for specific settings and learners and ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

The ultimate goal will be to furnish educators with the necessary skills and expertise to design and deliver effective online courses.

 

Category Current Issues, Learning

Nine ways to promote positive youth mental health during lockdown

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Nine ways to promote positive youth mental health during lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that many of us are adjusting to major changes in the way we go about our daily lives.

For young people, the disruption may be particularly challenging, as their usually active and social lives go quiet in lockdown.

Although we currently don’t know the full impact of the pandemic on mental health, we do know young people are particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems.

Psychology experts at the University of Reading have created a practical online course, COVID-19: Helping Young People Manage Low Mood and Depression, designed to support young people experiencing low mood or depression during this time.

The course draws on evidence-based clinical practice and can be taken by young people themselves or the parents, teachers, and supporters of a young person who is struggling.

If you live with a young person who is having difficulty navigating the times we’re living in, there are practical steps you can take to help.

Below, clinical psychologist and clinical research fellow at the University of Reading, Monika Parkinson, and lecturer in clinical psychology, Faith Orchard, have outlined nine key takeaways from the course that will help you, help the young person you care for.

1. Structure your days

Daily routines are one of the main things that have been disrupted in the majority of households.

Now, working and leisure time looks very different for most of us. However, our bodies thrive on routine, so it’s helpful to maintain some new or existing habits.

For example, our brain creates associations, so if we work or study in our bedrooms, we’ll associate the bedroom with work. If you can, help the young person you live with to mark the change between study and leisure time. This can be achieved simply by making sure all study materials are packed away from the kitchen table at the end of the day or more strictly by making study spaces in your home completely separate from living or sleeping areas.

2. Manage sleeping habits

Sleep is another area that really benefits from routine.

Family bedtimes and wake times may have changed in lockdown and that’s ok. However, try to implement some consistency when it comes to the time your child goes to bed so that their body can support sleep by releasing hormones at the right time. Make sure they dedicate time to winding down in the evening where they switch off from study and devices.

You should also try to keep bedrooms cool and dark for sleep and remember to fling open the curtains in the morning to let the sunlight in and reset the body’s hormones.

3. Learn how to release negative thoughts

It’s important to share coping strategies with the young person in your care to ensure they don’t get caught up in negative thinking.

To do this, suggest that they try to see their thoughts as clouds in the sky, leaves on a stream, or cars driving by.

They should acknowledge their thoughts and then let them go. If any negative thoughts do stick around, suggest that they look for a different side to the issue. For example, what would they tell a best friend if they were having the same negative thought?

4. Notice coping mechanisms

This is an extremely intense time for all of us. You and any young people in your household should take the time to reflect on the things that you’re learning about yourself during this time.

What helps you cope well? What triggers have you noticed make your mood dip? How do you ask for help? What, if anything, do you need to do differently? What is important to you and how will you hold onto this when things start going back to ‘normal’?

5. Set an example

Young people are constantly receiving information about the world around them and this can influence what they think and feel.

Try to be mindful about how you react and respond to different situations. During the pandemic, it will be particularly helpful to show that it’s normal to be worried or sad. Be sure to label the emotions that you experience.

It’s also great to encourage healthy habits by doing them yourself, such as eating good food, partaking in physical activity, and taking time out for self-care.

6. Up your communication

Family communication can be tricky at the best of times, and this will be more challenging if people are experiencing lots of different emotions.

Often families experience difficulties with miscommunication where what is said is misinterpreted. This is particularly common when young people are feeling low, as they may interpret what’s being said as more negative.

Try to be clear in your communications, and ask questions if you don’t understand a particular response. When problems are identified, it can be helpful to work together as a family to think about lots of different solutions – even the wild and wacky ones.

7. Try to notice the good moments

We are constantly being bombarded with negative information right now and a lot of our usual outlets for fun and enjoyment have changed or gone.

Making time for fun is so important for lifting our mood – especially silly fun, that makes you laugh out loud. 

Notice these silly moments when they arise, and try to create and encourage them where you can.

8. Remember it’s okay to have ups and downs

The COVID-19 lockdown has caused major disruption, and young people and adults alike are having to rapidly adjust to different ways of living. 

Young people may be particularly worried about schoolwork or family members, and the stress and anxiety induced may leave them feeling low. These changes in mood and worries are to be expected. 

It’s important that the young person you live with knows not to feel guilty for experiencing a range of emotions during these difficult times.

9. Look after yourself

It can be very difficult for some parents or carers to imagine putting themselves first. But, to be able to take care of others, we need to be well ourselves.

Whilst routine is important and it’s great to plan activities to keep busy, remember that it’s also ok to take time for you. Not every minute needs to be filled.

Though it might seem hard to do, we cannot emphasise how important self-care is during this time. Self-care can involve anything that’s nurturing to you, from some quiet time of reflection to an online exercise class.

If you’d like to learn more about building positive family communication, managing low thoughts and feelings, and helping young people to build long-lasting resilience, join the University of Reading’s course for free today.

You can browse all of our courses created in response to coronavirus here.

Our First Mobile Development Path Has Arrived!

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Our First Mobile Development Path Has Arrived!

People all over the world are spending more time than ever before on mobile devices. And with so much time being spent using smartphone apps, it’s no surprise that our learners have been requesting more courses related to mobile development.

Over the past year, 25,000 of you have highlighted mobile development as a primary area of interest. Which is why we’re excited to share that we’ve just released our first Pro Skill Path related to mobile development. Develop Basic Android Apps with Java is designed for anyone that wants to get started with Mobile Development, regardless of experience.

💡 If you’re interested in building iOS apps, we’ve got something new for you too. We’ve updated our Learn Swift course with a collection of new modules, plus additional Pro-exclusive quizzes and projects. You can find out more about that at the end of this article.

A look inside Develop Basic Android Apps with Java

We spoke with Codecademy curriculum developer Sara Rose to find out more about the new Path — who it’s designed for, what you can expect to learn, and what you’ll create. Check out the interview below.

Q: Who is the Develop Basic Android Apps with Java Skill Path right for?

This Path is for anyone who wants to get started with Mobile Development generally, learn Android specifically, or even just wants a cool way to apply what they learn as they learn to code! We wanted to make a course truly designed for anyone and everyone looking to get started with Android development, regardless of experience.

Never coded before? We’ve got you covered! This Skill Path will take you from never having programmed before to understanding programmatic thinking, Java syntax, and developing Android apps.

Already know Java and looking to get into Android? Simply skip over the Java content you know and get your feet wet with Android.

Already know how to code but new to Java and Android? You’ll breeze through the Java syntax and be ready to go in no time.

Q: Will I really be able to build an app by the end of this Skill Path?

One of my favorite things about this Skill Path is that you’ll begin working on your capstone project really early on. Over the span of the Path, you’ll be building out Unquote, a fun and silly trivia quiz game.

As you learn new concepts, you’ll immediately apply them to Unquote — building out the project piece by piece. By the time you get to the final project, you’ll have written every part of Unquote and be ready to share it with anyone in the world — literally.

One of the coolest things about Android is how easy it is to share and distribute your apps. By the end of this course, your friends and family can be using your apps on their own real Android devices.

Q: What skills will I take away when I’m finished with this Path?

We’ll teach you how to program in Java and think like a developer — skills that you’ll be able to take with you to any other programming language and be able to apply to wherever your coding takes you. Plus, we’ll also try to get you as pumped about Android as we are — it’s such an awesome platform with amazing global reach. Android grows and improves every year.

In this Path, you’ll also be developing on your own computer off of our platform. You’ll be working with Android Studio — Android’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

Q: Once I finish this Path, what should I do next?

There’s always so much more to learn! In addition to giving you the basics to get started, this Path is designed to empower you to continue growing as a developer.
If you enjoyed building a project from start to finish, we recommend checking out the Create a Front-End App with React. In this Skill Path, you’ll build an app to search for highly rated businesses in a given city and connect it to the Yelp API to pull review data.

You could also learn Swift, so you’re ready to be a cross-platform mobile app developer. Let your ambition and ideas guide what you should learn next. We’ll give you the basic skills and tools you need to get running, but there’s no limit to where this programming journey takes you.

What’s new in Learn Swift?

For those of you that are interested in iOS app development, we’re excited to share that we’ve made some recent updates to our Learn Swift course.

Learn Swift, created by curriculum developers Sonny, Kenny, Galina, and Alex (pictured below), will get you up to speed on the programming language used to build apps for iOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS, and Linux.

We’ve rolled the Learn Swift course out a few modules at a time. We recently launched the four remaining modules, which dive into Dictionaries, Functions, Structures, and Classes. The course and all modules are available for free, with Pro-exclusive quizzes and projects to help you take your learning to the next level.

Kenny shares more about the course in the quick interview below.

Q: Who is the Learn Swift course designed for?

Learn Swift is especially good for beginners who have not written code before and want a taste of the world of programming. The course assumes no prior knowledge and walks the learner through from the basics of a Swift program to creating mini programs of their own.

But Learn Swift isn’t just for beginners. It can also help more experienced learners get a sense of the Swift programming language and its unique patterns of development.

Q: What will I learn by the end of this course?

After completion of Learn Swift, you’ll know the fundamentals of the Swift programming language. You’ll feel comfortable with writing Swift syntax, creating mini projects, and you should be able to read through a Swift program and understand the intention behind the code.

The fundamentals you’ll learn in this course cover common programming concepts, including variables, data types, conditionals, functions, and more. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to apply those fundamentals in order to more easily pick up other programming languages as well.

Want to explore all the courses and Paths we offer? Check out our full catalog.

Shearing Sheep, and Hewing to Tradition, on an Island in Maine

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Shearing Sheep, and Hewing to Tradition, on an Island in Maine

With travel restrictions in place worldwide, we’ve launched a new series, The World Through a Lens, in which photojournalists help transport you, virtually, to some of our planet’s most beautiful and intriguing places. This week, Greta Rybus shares a collection of photographs from a set of islands in Maine.

Three miles off the coast of Maine, in a remote area northeast of Acadia National Park, lies a cluster of islands — including Little Nash Island, Big Nash Island and Flat Island — populated only by sheep.

The Wakeman family, who live on the nearby mainland, are the year-round caretakers. Alfie Wakeman works full-time as a pediatric provider in the local clinic. His wife, Eleni, works full-time as a speech-language pathologist and the assistant fire chief for the local volunteer fire department. Their three daughters — Wren, Lilly and Evie — are all college-age or newly graduated.

Each spring, Alfie leaves his medical practice for three weeks to live on Big Nash Island for the lambing season. (In his text messages, Alfie includes smiley faces when he talks about going to the island, or about new lambs; sad faces punctuate his texts when he discusses leaving the island.) The sheep, wild and self-sufficient, are able to thrive off the providence of the island. But every so often a sick lamb needs special care.

About a century ago, a 10-year-old girl named Jenny Cirone — the daughter of the lighthouse keeper on Little Nash Island — began raising sheep. She would go on to tend her flock for more than 80 years.

Alfie, Eleni and their daughters knew Jenny well. They lived next door to her and helped her care for the island and its sheep. They still understand this part of the world largely through Jenny and her stories.

Jenny knew everything about the island and the ocean around it. She hauled lobster traps with Alfie almost until the day she died, a month shy of 92. She remembered each sheep, its lineage, how much wool it made. She gave names to every lamb, and to each spot on the ocean floor that was good for a lobster trap.

At the end of lambing season, a community gathers on Big Nash to help round up and shear the sheep. (The other islands’ sheep will be sheared, too, but those require smaller crews.) The volunteers — around 40 people — include a handful of knitters and spinners; they often wear sweaters made of Nash Island wool. Some show up because they live down the road and are accustomed to pitching in. Others are lured by an adoration of good wool. Still others come because of the island itself — for the tradition, for the memory of Jenny.

Before they’re sheared, the sheep must be rounded up — a process that requires considerable patience. Around 20 people sweep the island methodically; no animals can be left behind on the little hills or rocky beaches, and the sheep shouldn’t be spooked. (Sheep are notoriously skittish.) Everyone joins in — their arms outstretched, their hands sometimes clasped together — as they funnel the sheep toward a corral made of salvaged driftwood.

When the corral is full, the crew works to pull lambs from underneath the sheep, moving them to a separate pen; there, the rams are castrated and the ewes’ tails are docked. Each lamb and sheep is carefully checked and given any necessary care. Meanwhile, the shearers skim whirring blades along the bodies of the sheep, their hands and the clippers hidden under the thick wool. (Much of shearing is done blindly, by feel.)

The work is physically demanding, but the shearers move quickly, often without pausing for food or water. After hours of labor, and once the last sheep’s wool has been removed, the shearers return their tools to their cases, the blades slick with lanolin, and the group migrates to a cabin — Big Nash’s lone building — for a potluck meal: baked beans, a salad, turkey, rhubarb cakes. A simple rule is announced: “The shearers eat first.”

Another roundup will happen again in the fall: The sheep will be gathered, checked and tended to. Some will stay on the island, growing thick with wool, while most of the males and a handful of ewes will be brought to the mainland to be processed as meat.

The sheep chosen for slaughter will be scooped up, their soft woolen bodies carried from the driftwood pen, down the rocky beach, to a dinghy. Then, from the dinghy to the family’s lobster boat, until sheep are packed from bulkhead to transom, calm and blinking in the sun. Volunteers will sit on the sides of the boat or climb onto its top as it motors back to the mainland. A waiting truck will bring the sheep to the local butcher.

Maine was once a land of shepherds. Its islands and coastal communities were dotted with the fleeced bodies of sheep, its shrubs and trees grazed into oblivion. Historical photos show wide expanses of pasture that have now become thick with forests and houses.

Back then, there were more families like the Wakemans, who raised their own animals and grew their own food, who gathered people together to share both their work and a meal, who used dark humor and whispered their thanks on the days when animals gave up their wool or became food.

Some of the sheep spend their entire lives on these islands, from birth to death. They become the islands. Their sun-bleached bones are entrenched in the earth, embedded in the grassy knolls and wetlands where they once grazed, their bodies decomposing to nourish a new generation.

Jenny Cirone is also here; her gravestone sits at the far end of Big Nash, her ashes buried in the place with the best view of the lighthouse. She, too, is a part of the island — the grass, the sea, the sheep, the story.

Find Poetry in the Pages of a Newspaper

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Find Poetry in the Pages of a Newspaper

These days, people are turning to art or poetry while stuck at home, because they want to feel something other than being at home. One way to feel something different and exciting is to craft a found poem.

Rita Dove, a former United States poet laureate, said that poetry is “the bones and the skeleton of the language. It teaches you, if nothing else, how to choose your words.”

The hardest part about writing a poem is choosing the right words. A found poem is created by cutting and pasting words found in another text; your text will be a newspaper or magazine. You will steal words you like by cutting them out and pasting them on a sheet of paper. But wait, you might be asking, what makes a strong poem? A poem is an experience, and a poem is a grouping of words that makes the reader feel something.

There are no real rules, but there is a topic: finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Something is extraordinary when something ordinary, or common, takes you by surprise or makes you gasp.

You will need any print publication, some paper, a pen, scissors and some glue or tape. Here’s a secret: All artists steal. Steal your way into a found poem by following these steps:

Find a work space. Find a flat space like a floor, a table or a desk. Maybe play your favorite song or TV show in the background for inspiration. Or, choose a quiet setting. Your work space is your creative universe, so be comfortable.

Brainstorm. Create a list of extraordinary moments. Look out for something small but exceptional around your apartment, outside your window, or maybe when you are out for a walk. It may be an act of kindness or, a shock of color on a flower or the wing of a bird; it could be a conversation you overhear, or an emotion you feel while talking to a friend, reading a book or watching a movie. The extraordinary is all around you; all you need to do is look. Pick a moment and start thinking of words that describe it. Jot them down.

Snip. Snip. Snip. Start cutting out all the words and phrases that relate to your moment. Having trouble? Try not to think so much and just cut. What words sound good to you when you say them aloud? What words help you visualize your extraordinary moment? Search the paper and neatly cut them out. Place them in a pile. Cut out duplicate words (you might want them later) and cut out words of different font sizes.

Layout. Before you start pasting your words into lines of poetry, lay them out and rearrange them. How will you create your poem? A poem is made up of lines that form groups of words called stanzas (Italian for room). Let your paper be the house of your poem. How many rooms will you build? One, two or more? Do you want long lines or short lines? Play with their position until you have them just right.

You may want to use a poetic device like a simile (a comparison with “like” or “as”), a metaphor (a comparison without “like” or “as”) or a rhyme. Maybe use repetition to play with sound, or cut two words and paste them together to make a word you can’t find. Try indenting lines or creating extra white space in or around your words and lines for a visual effect.

Paste. Ready? Carefully paste each word down, and now you have your own found poem.

Poetry isn’t scary, especially when you already have the words. See the found poem accompanying this article, which was created from its text. Have fun.

How to Start a Neighborhood Association

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How to Start a Neighborhood Association

Some neighborhood associations muster around particular issues, like cleaning up Superfund sites, food security, housing, education or over-policing. Others handle more general community concerns, like development and beautification. Mutual aid and community emergency response are also frequently built into neighborhood associations. Whatever the issue, this work has been done somewhere before; devising a neighborhood association is, in part, a matter of shaping an existing blueprint (for example, the organizing guide published by the Citizens Committee) to your needs.

When considering how members of your neighborhood association will stay in touch, it’s helpful to look to networks that already exist. Communication lines that have been built up in response to the pandemic — Slack hubs or WhatsApp threads offering mutual aid, for example — likely have robust presences. Bed-Stuy Strong, a mutual aid group founded in March with upward of 3,500 members, recently published tips for creating a neighborhood-wide Slack (search for “How To Make A Slack Neighborhood Hub During COVID-19”). “When I pictured a WhatsApp group with a few thousand people on it, it just seemed so unbearably noisy. People’s needs might get lost,” said Sarah Thankam Mathews, the group’s organizer. Slack is easy to use and allows members to organize separate channels around specific issues or locations. “Bed-Stuy is a really big neighborhood; it’s allowed for a little bit of segmentation,” Ms. Mathews said.

But some members of your network might not have access to or be fluent in email or text; for that reason, having multiple methods of keeping in touch, and enacting a plan for who will keep everyone in the loop and how, can be helpful. “How do you reach the elderly and the homebound?” said Healy Chait, one of the organizers of the mutual aid group Invisible Hands. “It’s important not to forget you’re dealing with real people on the other end.”

You might consider clearly outlining purposes, boundaries and etiquette for your group chats — since ListServs sometimes go awry and the Best of Nextdoor Twitter account has become notorious.

Now that you’ve whittled down your agenda to a few shared priorities, it’s time to take it back out to the community to solicit additional feedback, which ensures people’s concerns are addressed and keeps the process transparent. While social distancing is in place, this can take the form of flyers and emails, or even safely going door-to-door. And, as recommended by the Idaho-based nonprofit PocatelloWorks, you might also consider how your neighborhood association fits into its wider region or into a network of other neighborhood associations. In Bed-Stuy, for example, the Bed-Stuy Works Alliance is a coalition of block associations throughout the neighborhood; in Red Hook, Brooklyn, the nonprofit Resilient Red Hook works with other organizations in the community to advocate for emergency and climate change preparedness.

After amassing contact information for the lower half of his road, Mr. Kahn-Harris consolidated his WhatsApp group with that of the upper half of the road, making a street-wide chat. Then, someone else set up a WhatsApp group with representatives from each of a cluster of such street groups. “It built up pretty organically,” he said.

The Citizens Committee has recommended “as little structure as possible — just enough to get the work done”; too much deliberating about structure can detract from actually accomplishing anything. Whatever it looks like, be deliberate about your leadership structure instead of allowing people to simply fall into roles. Otherwise, Mr. Ullah explained, the neighborhood association risks unintentionally replicating external power structures it intends to avoid.

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