A virtual learning community in the office seems unnecessary for some. However, you need to understand that it is in our nature to be social people. We thrive in connecting and socializing with others. This is how we can improve and learn from each other.
But why go through all the effort to create this online portal? Why not just let them talk to each other in the corridors?
Well, in an online learning community, you can monitor what is being said. Not only that, you can include all workers regardless of where they are in the country or the world. Employees can interact with each other and someone in authority can moderate these online communities.
In order to maximize the benefits of a virtual learning community, consider these tips while creating the platform.
- Start with the needs of the employees. Do not just create the online community for the sake of having one. Make sure there is a purpose and that everyone is aware of it. That purpose should address a need of the employees or at least those who will be participating the virtual learning community. Try to conduct surveys or talk to the superiors of the employees to know what they need. Cooperating with the management should help you identify the purpose of the online community.
- Establish the rules.People have different opinions and the rules can head off any misunderstanding. Everyone should practice the right online etiquette and treat all opinions with respect. Conflicts can be resolved if everyone is aware of the rules. Not only that, the rules can help ensure that the purpose of the online community will be met.
- Choose the right platform. There are many online platforms available that will help you setup your virtual learning community. You can use what is already available like Facebook. Create a closed or secret group so the comments can only be seen by members. This is probably one of the easiest platforms to work with because all your employees are probably using it anyway. It is easy to set it up. If the company has a website, you can use that as well. Incorporate an online forum where employees can discuss relevant issues in the company.
- Set up an information portal. If the participants in the online community are very active, it is easy to drown out the important information that is necessary for everyone to learn. Make sure you have a separate area where employees can get the latest data and information. That way, you will avoid losing it as exchanges happen between participants.
- Create sub-communities. This is a great way to personalize the learning that will happen in this portal. You can filter the information that you will give and the communication will not be overwhelming. Some might lose interest in interacting when there are too many participants. Continue to have a general community but create sub-communities too. You can assign community leaders to ease the burden of monitoring the online discussions.
Follow these tips in creating a virtual learning community for the workplace. When done correctly, it can help strengthen the relationship between peers and set the foundation for teamwork.
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