ACQUISITION OF SOFT SKILLS BY IT WORKERS IN A TELEWORKING ENVIRONMENT

Keywords: e-learning, remote work, soft skills, critical thinking, reflection, professional foreign language, Moodle, collaboration, adaptation

Abstract

This article delves into the significance of e-learning environments in fostering the development of soft skills among IT professionals. The study explores how the transition to remote work has reshaped competency requirements, emphasizing the growing importance of critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and self-reflection. The research is based on an extensive analysis of online courses that integrate professional foreign language learning with skills development in collaboration, adaptability, and independent learning. The study highlights the role of digital platforms such as Moodle in creating an interactive learning environment where learners can enhance analytical thinking, teamwork, and professional communication skills. The integration of authentic materials, virtual collaboration tools, and structured feedback mechanisms contributes to a more engaging and effective learning experience. The research also examines how students can improve their ability to work in distributed teams, a skill increasingly required in modern IT workplaces. A critical aspect of this study is the impact of reflective practice in online education. By fostering self-regulated learning habits, e-learning environments enable students to take ownership of their professional growth. This article emphasizes that reflective and collaborative learning approaches not only improve language proficiency but also help learners develop crucial cognitive and interpersonal skills that are indispensable in a fast-evolving digital economy. Furthermore, the findings suggest that online learning fosters flexibility and autonomy, allowing students to tailor their learning experiences to their personal and professional needs. The ability to engage with peers and instructors asynchronously enhances problem-solving capabilities and encourages proactive participation in professional discussions. As a result, graduates equipped with these competencies are more adaptable to the dynamic demands of the global workforce. This research contributes valuable insights into the effectiveness of digital education in preparing future IT specialists for remote and hybrid work environments. The presented findings can benefit educators, researchers, and employers who aim to enhance the efficiency of training programs tailored for contemporary digital workplaces.

References

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Donelan H., Kear K., Ramage M. (2010) Online Communication and Collaboration in Higher Education: The Role of Virtual Learning Environments. Computers & Education, vol. 54(3), pp. 759-766.

American Management Association (2014) Critical Skills Survey: The Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace. American Management Association Report.

Schön D. A. (1983) The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books.

Osterman K. F., Kottkamp R. B. (1993) Reflective Practice for Educators: Improving Schooling through Professional Development. Corwin Press.

Williams J. (2003) Technology Integration in Education: Best Practices and Future Trends. Educational Technology Research and Development, vol. 51(4), pp. 57-68.

Brookfield S. D. (1988) Developing Critical Thinkers: Challenging Adults to Explore Alternative Ways of Thinking and Acting. Jossey-Bass.

Lee K. (2010) Cultural Differences in E-learning: Challenges and Solutions. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, vol. 13(2), pp. 48-59.

Lund A. (2008) Web 2.0 in Education: Collaborative Learning and New Pedagogical Approaches. Educational Media International, vol. 45(2), pp. 99-112.

Papadima-Sophocleous S., Yerou C. (2013) Technology-Enhanced Language Learning: The Role of Online Platforms in Developing Communication Skills. International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching, vol. 3(4), pp. 27-30.

Esteban F., Martinez P. (2014) Innovative Pedagogical Approaches in Higher Education: Enhancing Student Learning Through Digital Media. Journal of Higher Education Research, vol. 9(1), pp. 45-60.

Robocha prohrama «Anhliysʹka mova dlya naukovykh doslidzhenʹ» druhoho (mahistersʹkoho) osvitnʹoho rivnya spetsialʹnosti 174 «Avtomatyzatsiya, kompʺyuterno-intehrovani tekhnolohiyi ta robototekhnika» osvitnʹo-profesiynoyi prohramy «Promyslova avtomatyzatsiya ta systemy keruvannya» [Work program "English for scientific research" of the second (master's) educational level of specialty 174 "Automation, computer-integrated technologies and robotics" of the educational and professional program "Industrial automation and control systems"]. Available at: https://document.kdu.edu.ua/metod/2024_9038.pdf (in Ukrainian)

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Published
2025-03-11
How to Cite
Druzhynina, V., Zahorianska, O., Nozhenko, V., & Druzhynin, V. (2025). ACQUISITION OF SOFT SKILLS BY IT WORKERS IN A TELEWORKING ENVIRONMENT. Sustainable Development of Economy, (1 (52), 418-242. https://doi.org/10.32782/2308-1988/2025-52-59