For many in the learning field, COVID-19 has thrust us into uncharted territory. We’re doing our best to stay home as much as possible, which in many cases means figuring out how to do our jobs from home. And even if we’re not working from home, we’re grappling with how to engage learners who are suddenly remote.

COVID-19 has many of us staying home as much as we can. Schools, places of worship, bars, and restaurants are closed for now. The CDC recommends we limit in-person gatherings to 10 or fewer people. And companies across the country are moving to a work-from-home policy (whether they feel ready for it or not).

Are you worried that no one’s using those cool, new courses you purchased? And, if they do, who’s tracking their progress?

The evolution of digital technology has created a new world of learning and, as a result, the expectations and needs of today's learners has changed. Only by understanding the needs of modern learners will you be able to help them succeed. Here are five things you need to know about the modern learner:

Management and leadership in online learning require a careful balance to project manage three variables to achieve a successful outcome: time, scope, and cost. But is that enough? Absolutely not, and history is the best teacher. Famous brands like Kodak, Nokia, and Blockbuster allow you to easily be the armchair quarterback and point out that they all failed in evolving with changing market trends.

With so many ads offering to make you an online millionaire in 60 days (no experience required, of course), it’s no wonder certifications get a bad rap. You can almost hear skeptics’ thoughts: what does a test prove anyways? But they’re wrong.