While collaborative learning may sound like a new term, it’s one of the oldest ways that humans have picked up new skills and knowledge throughout the ages. Before teachers stood at the front of the classroom with their lesson plans, people asked each other questions as part of the learning process.
Today, collaborative learning technology allows learners to connect through messaging apps, forums, discussion boards and social newsfeeds. In today’s remote and hybrid work environment, educational technology facilitates student collaboration, class discussions, and active participation.
Social and collaborative learning technology is a critical component of online learning
1. Builds connections and engagement between employees
Employees work effectively when they feel more connected with their coworkers through social networking. The social interaction that comes with collaborative learning activities in helps form those bonds in the online environment.
2. Enables just-in-time learning
While classroom training and online courses are valuable for improving employee understanding of bigger topics, social learning is perfect for allowing learners to get those just-in-time snippets of education a learner may need in the moment to do their work.
3. Cements learner knowledge when they teach others
One major benefit of collaborative learning s that it allows learners to answer each others’ questions. Teaching others is one of the best ways to facilitate your own learning.
4. Allows established employees to pass on institutional knowledge
Every organization has a vast amount of institutional knowledge and ideas that simply hasn’t been written down in a training course. By developing a forum where more tenured employees can answer the questions of newer employees, that knowledge is maintained.
5. Gets employees answers questions more quickly
When an employee has a question, rather than sending an email or digging through a pile of documents, they can shoot off a question in a messaging app or discussion board and get answers fast. These important online learning tools help small groups collaborate on answers together.
6. Facilitates group discussions
Learners can get a bigger picture and improve social interaction skills by engaging in group discussions around the topics. Active participants are more likely to retain the subject matter.
7. Creates more opportunities for students to engage with training
We retain knowledge better when we engage with it in multiple different learning environments. Supplementing class discussions, instructor-led training, online courses, and other professional development options with collaborative learning activities is a fantastic way to improve student retention.
8. Encourages a culture of continuous learning
The world is changing at a rapid pace, and the skills workers need to excel at their jobs are constantly shifting. Establishing a culture of continuous learning at your organization is one of the best ways to ensure you’re ready to meet the future, and social and collaborative learning technologies are a valuable part of that.
Opigno LMS features an online learning environment with integrated forums and internal messaging tools to help your employees connect, no matter where they’re learning from. Head to demo.opigno.org to learn more.
Author: Adam Kennedy-Ripon
Design: Simon Contreras