Foster A Supportive On-line Studying Neighborhood In On-line Coaching
How to foster a supportive online learning community through online training courses
People are inherently social and therefore prefer the company of others. Especially when they need to expand their knowledge and tackle complex tasks such as achieving certification or building skills. Participating in online training activities as a group reduces the workload as they can distribute the work and share the experience. Maintaining a thriving online learning community goes beyond collaboration, however. Each member must feel like they are part of something bigger, which gives them a sense of belonging and increases motivation. Here are 7 tips for cultivating a supportive online learning community in your online training course.
7 Ways to Cultivate a Supportive Learning Community
1. Understand the needs and expectations of corporate learners
The only way to build a supportive online learning community is to understand what your company’s learners need. Every employee has unique expectations for the online learning community. For example, some may take a more practical approach and look for daily interactions with remote peers. Or they would like to take part in regular live online training courses in order to feel more connected to their colleagues. You can learn more about your employees by conducting surveys and pre-evaluations of the company’s learners. This will help you identify their interests and expectations of the online training program as well as the online learning community as a whole.
2. Choose the best online collaboration platform
Online collaboration is very important in building a supportive online learning community. Hence, you need to choose the right online collaboration platform for the job. Corporate eLearning blogs, social media channels, and online discussions are some of the online collaboration platforms that businesses can choose. Corporate learners expect their interactions to be safe and secure. You need to take this into account when choosing platforms for online collaboration. Business e-learning blogs are much safer as members have to log in to post their comments. Social media handles are great for sharing media. You can also create a closed social media group to keep communications private. Another option is eLearning project management platforms. Employees can assign tasks, access a group calendar and communicate directly with their colleagues.
3. Create communication guidelines
Tensions are likely to rise where several people are gathered. Disagreements tend to upset people, and without some ground rules, differences can become conflict. To prevent this from happening, organizations should set the rules for engagement and share them with learners in companies. The rules should define how members communicate with each other when discussing topics on the online collaboration platform. You should also indicate what behavior / content is not allowed, as well as the penalties for breaking the rules. This could be a temporary ban for minor offenses and exclusion from the online training program for repeat offenders. Finally, highlight the conflict resolution measures. Such rules ensure that employees treat each other positively instead of letting misunderstandings get in the way.
4. Identify community leaders in online discussions
Since there will be rules that regulate how learners interact with each other in companies, there must be a manager who enforces these rules. In addition to being law enforcement officers, these leaders are responsible for leading online discussions and resolving conflicts between members. You can speak privately to conflicting members and maintain supportive online learning Community. Community leaders are also responsible for organizing regular meetings with company learners to educate them about the upcoming online training courses and to get their feedback on the online training courses offered. Being a church leader is not an easy task and so the position should be voluntary. Anyone who feels up to the task can express their interest. Then seek support from members before assuming the role of church leader.
5. Ask for eLearning feedback
eLearning feedback is a win-win situation. It gives you the valuable user data you need to improve your eLearning course design while giving corporate learners the opportunity to share their opinions and concerns. When they invite their eLearning feedback, they also know that their thoughts and ideas are important. That your organization cares about their contributions and wants to involve them in the eLearning development process. One of the best ways to get eLearning feedback is through focus groups. Select a team of corporate learners and have a lively online discussion. Or you can opt for social media surveys to collect more data and get everyone involved in the action.
6. Start an online mentorship program
Combine less experienced learners from the company with those who can mentor them and offer one-on-one advice. The mentor also benefits from the skills and talents of his mentee. For example, they may not be as tech-savvy as their counterpart. In this way, the mentee can help them learn the nuances of IT in exchange for their mentor’s valuable advice. Create teams based on personal interests, goals, and personality traits to ensure smooth collaboration.
7. A supportive eLearning corporate culture lays the foundation for a supportive online learning community
The last tip is arguably the most important. One of the most common mistakes organizations make when building an online learning community is forgetting the mindset. You need a supportive eLearning company culture on which to build the online learning community. Corporate learners need to understand the value of continuous professional development and respect the point of view of others.
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A supportive online learning community amplifies the benefits of your online training course by providing a solid framework for corporate learners. They feel like part of the group rather than an outsider doing it alone. This can also increase their motivation and facilitate emotional bonding.
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