Preparing learners for the online economy

In today’s online economy, which is characterised by freelance work, remote contracts, and remote employment opportunities, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com, success requires more than just expertise. Workers need digital literacy, project management skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in virtual environments. Teneo provides learners with the flexibility and resources to develop these essential skills alongside their academic studies.

“Our learners live and learn in a digital world,” says Lientjie Pelser, FET Phase Head at Teneo. “Online school prepares learners for the future world of work. It is not only how they access their education but also how they collaborate, communicate, and complete projects yet never feel disconnected. These experiences closely mirror the dynamics of today’s workforce, where online collaboration, digital tools, and remote project management are the norms.” 

From using digital calendars to manage workloads to collaborating on projects via online tools, Teneo learners are building the self-management and digital communication skills that are fundamental to success in the online economy.

Building digital literacy and independence

At Teneo, learners are not just preparing for exams – they’re preparing for life in the digital age. They gain practical experience with the tools and communication methods used in remote and freelance work. “The fact that I’m able to see the learners do these things in real-time, whether it’s by screen sharing or having learners annotate on my screen… creates a very interactive learning environment that you don't often find in a traditional brick-and-mortar school,” explains Matthew Visser, a Coding and Robotics teacher at Teneo.

This digital-first interaction prepares learners to thrive in increasingly virtual workplaces. Teneo’s approach, which includes project-based learning and hands-on activities, fosters an engaging learning environment that enhances problem-solving skills and adaptability – critical abilities for future remote workers.

Virtual collaboration and communication

Teneo’s online format gives learners the opportunity to develop these skills early, working together on cloud-based group projects and participating in real-time problem-solving through the learning management system and live classes. 

Simone Turner, a Foundation Phase teacher at Teneo, makes these interactions memorable and engaging. "We work, we play, we dance, we bake... and when children are happy, they learn," says Simone. These live, interactive lessons allow learners to build essential collaboration and communication skills while exploring their creativity – skills that will be invaluable as they step into the working world.

Growing independent problem solvers

For those pursuing a career in the gig economy, the ability to juggle projects, meet deadlines, and work independently is essential. Teneo empowers its learners to take charge of their own schedules, access lesson recordings, and participate in projects from anywhere, mimicking the realities of freelance work. 

“Our learners become independent problem-solvers because they are given the tools to manage their own learning,” says Tracey Clayton, mathematics teacher and FET Grade Leader. “They don’t just passively absorb content, they actively engage with it, think critically about it, and apply it to real-world scenarios. This is what sets them up for success in the gig economy, where problem-solving and adaptability are key.”

For learners like Iminathi Dondolo, the current Miss Teenager South Africa, this flexibility has been transformative. “I’ve missed classes for interviews and events, but I never fall behind because I can always go back and watch the recorded lessons,” she says. Iminathi’s experience underscores how Teneo’s model fosters self-discipline and time management, essential skills for the online working world. 

Adaptability for a multi-disciplinary future

In an online economy where workers frequently pivot between fields, Teneo’s broad curriculum ensures that learners are both future-ready and future-proof. With courses in coding, entrepreneurship, and more, Teneo helps learners build a versatile skill set that meets the demands of a multi-disciplinary future.

“Our learners need to be prepared to adapt, to learn new skills continuously, and to integrate knowledge from different disciplines,” says Ruby Govender, Head of Intermediate Phase at Teneo. “Teneo gives them the tools to do just that.”

Entrepreneurial thinking for the future of work

Freelancers in the online economy must be resourceful, creative, and proactive. Teneo’s project-based learning encourages entrepreneurial thinking by nurturing these traits and giving learners hands-on experience with real-world projects.

“We are preparing learners for a world where they may not follow a traditional career path, but rather create their own opportunities,” Govender continues. “Whether they go on to be freelancers, business owners, or part of a remote workforce, the skills they develop at Teneo—digital literacy, independent problem-solving, and collaboration—are what will set them up for success.”

Building a future-ready generation

The workforce of tomorrow will look different from what we know today. By fostering adaptability, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking, Teneo Online School is helping build a generation ready to take on the gig economy and thrive in a rapidly changing world. There’s no doubt that as the digital economy continues to expand, learners equipped with these skills will be prepared to navigate and succeed in the future of work.

If you’d like to know how Teneo’s flexible, supportive online schooling model can help your child gain these valuable skills, get in touch with us today.