The recent pandemic significantly impacted work protocols worldwide, and mine was no exception. Here’s a breakdown of the changes, the fundamentals of virtual work, and how this experience can inform our PBL teamwork:

Pre-Pandemic Work Protocols:

• Physical Workplace: The majority of work happened in a physical office environment. This fostered face-to-face interactions, spontaneous brainstorming sessions, and a clear separation between work and personal life.

Changes During the Pandemic:

• Shift to Remote Work: The pandemic necessitated a switch to remote work. Communication transitioned to online platforms, meetings became virtual, and collaboration relied heavily on technology.
• Increased Use of Technology: Video conferencing tools, project management software, and instant messaging became essential for daily tasks and communication.
• Work-Life Balance Challenges: Boundaries between work and personal life blurred due to the constant presence of work technology at home.

Fundamentals of Working Virtually:

• Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is paramount. This includes mastering online communication tools, active listening skills, and being mindful of virtual etiquette.
• Time Management: Self-discipline and effective time management are crucial to stay focused and meet deadlines in a potentially distracting home environment.
• Project Management Tools: Utilizing project management software fosters organization, task delegation, and progress tracking within a virtual team.
• Building Trust and Relationships: Establishing rapport and trust with colleagues in a virtual setting requires intentional effort. Regular virtual interactions, clear communication, and celebrating team achievements can help build strong bonds.

Informing PBL Teamwork:

These virtual work experiences can significantly inform our PBL teamwork:

• Embracing Technology: We can leverage online collaboration tools like document sharing platforms, project management software, and video conferencing to facilitate teamwork and communication.
• Communication Strategies: Let’s establish clear communication protocols, including preferred methods (email, instant messaging, video calls), response times, and virtual meeting etiquette.
• Time Management and Organization: Each team member should be responsible for effective time management to meet deadlines and contribute effectively during virtual meetings.
• Building Rapport: Let’s schedule regular virtual team meetings, allocate time for casual interactions, and celebrate each other’s successes to build a strong and supportive virtual team environment.

By embracing these lessons from the pandemic’s virtual work experience, we can create a more efficient, productive, and collaborative PBL team environment.