Integrating Soft Skills With Technology in Online Postsecondary Career and Technical Education

Abstract

International and U.S. economic need for postsecondary training and degree attainment has fueled the demand for online courses and programs to meet the requirements of busy adults. Rapidly changing businesses and technologies necessitate that workers continually update skills and industry credentials. Employers want to hire workers who possess both technical skills and soft skills—people skills, attitudes, and values—and who can adapt to a culturally diverse, collaborative team workplace. Higher education institutions must support faculty efforts to provide effective, quality programs and courses that prepare students for this work environment. Career and Technical Education (CTE) faculty are generally hired for their industry and workforce expertise and may need assistance transitioning to eLearning strategies. Thus, a condensed manual was created as a resource to assist new online postsecondary CTE instructors with identifying and selecting the most appropriate technology and tools for incorporating soft skills development into online courses.