There is a
saying that “it requires a village to raise a kid”; keeping this phrase in mind
it can be stated that it takes an online community to educate an online
student. In this article you can read about the most successful tips to build
an online learning community.
How to set up an online learning community?
Every one of
us enjoy being part of a particular community or more. It is basic human nature
that they prefer surrounded with people. But it is absolutely different when we
talk about an online learning community,
where the environment lacks the personal touch for which human beings generally
crave for. But the good news is that you can bestow a sense of belongingness in
an eLearning environment as well, regardless of their personal goals,
background and location. Let’s study the tips for setting up an online learning communityto
match the needs online learners and to support them.
#1 Tip – Do you understand the needs of your online learners?
Learners would
be more interested in an online
learning communityif it is really offering them real value. They
visit the community to build up their knowledge and skills. That is why a
thorough audience requirement research is the most important part of the entire
community building process. Before, setting up an online learning community, you must understand the needs of
the learners you are targeting at. You can conduct polls, surveys, online
pre-examinations, interviews to understand their expectations. You must divide
the learners under different groups to create personalized section, for each of
them. It is not easy to please everyone but you can build a better community
with the help of genuine learners feedbacks.
#2 Tip – Did you install a WordPress plugin?
WordPress is
basically designed for content and an online learning community can reach a
large number of people through its information and content. Therefore, a good
WordPress Plugin such as “UserProPlugin” designed specifically to manage
communities online is a must to have. By installing such plugins, you will not
have to start your community from the scratch. It provides a direct engagement
between the content and targeted audiences. The WordPress Plugins are easy to
be customized, as well which is why they are the best choice for building an online learning community.
#3 Tip – Did you try to enforce the Netiquette rules?
Anywhere where
a group of people are present at one place whether or not virtual, a difference
of opinion is bound to happen. But, thanks to the Netiquette rules, it doesn’t
lead to any sort of conflict. It is very important to mention the way the
learners can behave. For instance, respecting the thoughts other participants
is an important rule. It is crucial that you decide how violations should be
treated and what repercussions will be faced by the learners for misbehavior.
#4 Tip – Did you consider building a personal connection
Building a
personal touch is very important for the success of an online learning community. Since, every member has its own
experiences, personality and taste and if they are taking out time for online community
then you should also take some time off from your busy schedule to know them
personally. You can have an introduction board where learners can freely share
their personal views.
#5 Tip – Are you choosing the right platform for online collaboration?
You can find a
huge variety of collaboration platforms but only one would be the best to match
your needs. Plus, it is difficult to manage resource for multiple collaboration
platform, at one time. Online forums, social media websites are example of some
tools. It is important to estimate the level of collaboration that your
learners may require. This is an important tip where you can make your users
feel more comfortable by providing access to important tools to satisfy their
learning requirements.
#6 Tip – Have you tried getting the expert opinion?
Of course,
there are leaders and expert in every field therefore you can get in touch with
them to learn and get better ideas. They can motivate and improve order amongst
the members. They are quite passionate and supportive. The can host meetings
for learners to get honest feedback from them. Becoming a leader in field
requires time, commitment and dedication and using their experience to guide the
newcomers is a great way to promote your community online.
#7 Tip – Why not offer shareable content?
This is one of
the most effective ways to expand your online
learning community. You can share valuable resources, information and
tips such as short tutorial videos to encourage the learners to share it
further amongst their personal network. The feature of social media sharing
button makes this process easy and faster.
#8 Tip – How about creating a central hub?
You need a
space where your members can get access to the community resources and to the
latest news updates. Having an eLearning forum or a website can work as a
central hub for learners to explore the resources. You can gather the required
information at one centralized place.
#9 Tip – Have you tried developing sub-communities?
Sometimes,
learners are hesitant to take part in online discussions when there are too many
members involved. That is why one should develop sub communities. It offers a
customized experience to the learners. To set up a successful online learning
community, you can create sub-community to place learners with similar
objective, in a group.
There are some of the best tips that lay the very foundation for a reputed and well-organized online learning community.