La learning community refers to an approach that involves bringing learners together so that they can interact and help each other to learn in groups.
As part of face-to-face training, this Learning community concept applies almost naturally since all participants, including trainers, meet physically at the same time.
But, conversely, online vocational training often works asynchronously: everyone accessing training at a later date and in isolation. Exchanges and interactions, which are so essential for the good retention of information, then become more complex to implement.
To overcome this difficulty and offer engaging distance learning courses, let's see How to create an online learning community thanks to Social learning.
Set up a learning group
Create an online learning community starts with the establishment of a working group around a common educational objective. For example, it could be
- mastering a new acquaintance;
- solve a specific problem;
- develop soft skills...
Let's remember: the challenge is to federate learners so that they can move forward together towards this professional development. To successfully create an online learning community, members must therefore feel united and united. And this, in the same way as they would be in the context of face-to-face training.
Create a virtual space dedicated to the learning community
The virtual space dedicated to the online learning community aims to recreate the conditions for the exchange of collaborative work carried out in the presence of the other participants and the trainer.
Depending on the educational activities, but also to encourage the engagement of learners, it is then possible to rely on various digital tools to create this space for remote communication.
Creating a learning community through social networks
For the past ten years, the use of social networks has been an integral part of communication habits. Regardless of the generation, most individuals know how it works and even already have their own account.
For example, Facebook and the professional social network LinkedIn have the advantage of offering private groups. It is then easy for members of the online learning community to share content, to exchange advice, to ask questions...
Discussion platforms
In the same spirit, chat platforms, like WhatsApp and Slack, make it possible to connect learners together. With this type of tool, the learning community can thus meet online to communicate, help each other and, more generally, create a link.
Creating an online learning community using digital learning tools
LMS, LXP, LCMS... The technologies of Digital learning integrate more and more collaborative functionalities. These include forums, comment spaces and content creation modules for learners.
Bringing the online learning community to life
Once an online learning community exists, it is essential to keep it alive and animate. Because even if it is necessary to leave room for the spontaneity and autonomy of the learners, the role of the trainer remains to support them until the objectives set are reached.
In this sense, he can, for example, lead discussions, ask questions, make recommendations or even organize virtual classroom events. This is so that all members can be fully integrated into an interactive and collaborative dynamic.
