Technology is a catalyst for innovation which is why it is dire to continuously explore new tools and strategies to optimize cohort learning and empower learners to thrive in the digital era. There are three major steps to the process of enabling seamless communication, efficient content sharing, and a dynamic learning experience for participants. The first step involves creating private cohort discussion forums within your company’s existing communication outlets. Next, begin utilizing collaborative software for group learning activities. Finally, invest in a Learning Experience platform (LXP) to seamlessly tie the collaboration together. Tractus partnered with Degreed offers a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) to optimize this experience. By selecting the right tools, fostering communication, and incorporating multimedia resources, you can create a dynamic and impactful learning experience for cohort participants.
Getting Started
Step One: You don’t need to wait while figuring out the budget of your learning program, instead start off by creating private cohort discussion forums using your company’s existing chat tool, such as Microsoft Teams or Slack. Provide guidelines for respectful and constructive communication to maintain a positive learning environment. Use weekly discussion prompts to keep participants connected and to spark idea sharing. These prompts might begin as ice breakers before developing into conversations about learning objectives. Encourage the distribution of relevant information, whether this be articles, podcasts, videos, etc. Most importantly, stay engaged with the process and celebrate progress!
Step Two: Empower participants to take an active role in their learning journey by offering collaborative learning opportunities. Utilize software like PowerPoint or Google Docs as the tool for cohort participants to build something together. Encourage learners to share their expertise, ask questions, and provide feedback to one another. For example, Tractus helped one company structure manager cohorts to create a set of in-house Manager Best Practice Playbooks. Through the use of a virtual cohort, members populated a playbook of content in real-time.
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Step Three: As momentum grows for experiential and collaborative learning, invest in tools that allow cohorts to build and curate their own learning experiences together to share with other groups across the organization. An LXP, such as Degreed, is a great tool for this for many reasons:
- Seamless Content Delivery: Degreed provides a user-friendly interface for organizing and delivering learning content. Utilize features like, Pathways and Plans to structure content in a logical and intuitive manner. Explore the vast library of resources including articles, videos, interactive modules, etc. Or add your own content!
- Continuous Feedback/Performance Tracking: Degreed offers robust tracking and analytics capabilities that provide valuable insights into growth and performance. Utilize analytic features that monitor engagement levels and individual progress through self-assessments and quizzes.
- Collaboration and Social Learning: Cohort learning thrives on collaboration and peer-to-peer interaction. Degreed offers a range of social learning features through Groups where you can share content, tag peers, and comment on other’s posts. Encouraging individuals to connect, share insights, and discuss forums fosters a sense of community that enriches the learning process.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, team-based learning fosters the social benefits of in-person learning – collaboration, innovation, and encouragement – and creates high-value environments for people to practice new skills, get immediate feedback, and share authentic perspectives. It’s important to incorporate technology that best synthesizes with your business to optimize the cohort experience. With these strategies in place, cohorts can foster a dynamic and enriching learning journey for employees to thrive.
