virtual communities, real connections
TRANSCRIPT
Virtual Communities, Real Connections:
A Case Study on Building Capacity and Collaboration
Through Online Peer Learning
iCohere Educational Webinar Series
This webinar is produced and funded by iCohere, Inc. and Integrated Work. The views expressed in this webinar do not represent any official views or positions of the U.S. Government.
Sue BrundegePeer Learning Programs
Integrated Work
Lance A. SimonClient & Government Solutions
iCohere
Welcome to Today’s Presenters
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Top learning objectives
Source: wordle.net
Source: wordle.net
Types of organization
Online programs experience
Personal level of experience
Top objectives for these programs
Source: wordle.net
Top issues/concerns
Source: wordle.net
Overall success to date
Objectives
• Understand how peer learning helps develop staff and build organizational capacity
• Learn strategies for creating peer learning groups that cost-effectively enhance knowledge, skills, and resources
• Explore peer learning models and practices that work well in virtual environments
• Identify first steps to develop virtual peer learning groups
• Facilitated, supportive discussions with colleagues• Based on adult learning principles
• Builds on cumulative knowledge and experience gained from each group member
• Focused on participants’ needs and perspectives• May include select experts and resources selectively
to enhance learning
• Cultivates strong professional relationships• Is action-focused and tailored to address diverse
circumstances
What is Peer Learning?
• Role: developed, facilitated, and managed peer learning programs for past 13 years
• Clients: State nonprofit associations and clinics with federal funding to expand health care access
• Statistics: 7 – 9 peer learning groups; ~ 480 enrolled participants; > 200 different organizations
• Goal: accelerate learning, increase organizational capacity, and improve collaboration and professional connections across federal grantees
Context: What We Do
• People working in similar roles but geographically separated
• Grantees from separate organizations collaborating on a larger mission
• Government staff with similar functions working in different offices
Who is Peer Learning Good For?
• Relevance. Peer learning discussions directly relate to participants’ key responsibilities, needs, and interests.
• Validation. Participants are energized to learn that “they are not alone.”
• “Real Life.” Participants learn practical solutions to real-life problems from others in similar roles.
• Connection. Strong bonds with peers inspire, motivate, and support.
Peer Learning Benefits Participants
• “Brain trust.” Continual access to collective wisdom of peers.
• Documentation. Synopses of peer learning exchanges create a cumulative body of knowledge participants can access any time.
• Innovation. Peer learning encourages creative thinking, brainstorming, and experimenting with new ideas in a supportive environment.
Peer Learning Benefits Participants
• Onboarding. Hearing from others with similar duties accelerates the learning curve for new staff.
• Development. Participants grow professionally both by learning from and sharing ideas with colleagues.
• Efficiency. Peer learning builds capacity more quickly and cost-effectively than most training programs.
• Monitoring. Peer learning insights inform funders of staff/ grantee needs, interests, issues, progress, and successes.
• “Cross-pollination.” Funders can apply peer learning ideas and strategies to other programs and initiatives.
Peer Learning Benefits Funders
Open Q & A
• Monthly teleconference calls / Webinars
• Annual face-to-face meeting
• Online resource library
• Participant check-ins
• Advisory committees
• Monthly reports
• Annual evaluations and year-end report
Peer Learning Framework
• Develop relevant content• Discuss issues from participants’ perspective• Make participation easy• Facilitate a great experience• Bring in external resources as needed• Capture insights and success stories• Strategically manage participant relationships• Evaluate and improve
Peer Learning Methods
• Travel and budget constraints deferred ability to hold face-to-face meetings
• Enhanced connection between calls/meetings
• Selective access to peer learning information
• Robust online resource library
• Versatile team communication options
• Easy participant management
• Consolidation of technology vendors
Going Virtual: Needs
• “One-stop shopping” for peer learning
• Selective access and permissions
• Resource library with documents and links
• Webinar service integrated into portal
• Self-serve participant profiles
• Discussion and chat forums for participants
• Multiple reporting options
• Customized look and feel
Peer Learning Portal
Peer Learning Portal: Welcome
Peer Learning Portal: What’s New?
Peer Learning Portal: Calendar
Peer Learning Portal: Team Contact List
Peer Learning Portal: Discussion Forums
Peer Learning Portal: Document Library
Peer Learning Portal: Webinars
Open Q & A
Virtual Peer Learning Forum (VPLF)
• More intensive peer learning exchanges than monthly conference calls
• Substitute for face-to-face meetings
• Customized for each peer learning team
• Webinars as primary events
• Supplemented with discussion threads and online resources
• 3-5 consecutive days• 1-1/2 to 2-hour Webinar sessions• Teleconferencing using customized PINs and small audio
breakout sessions• Registration module• Discussion threads – introductions, topics, questions,
resources• Library – articles, presentations, marketing materials web
links, interviews, etc.
VPLF: Structure/Format
Face-to-Face• Emailed meeting agenda
and logistics documents• Emailed questions,
resources and prep work• Agendas• One-on-one icebreakers• “Show of hands”• Participant presentations• Small group discussions• Written evaluations
VPLF• VPLF Page on Portal with
descriptions/instructions• Post materials, questions, and
interviews on Portal• Session scripts• Audio icebreakers• Webinar/audio polling• Screen sharing, slides• Audio breakouts• Online evaluation form/poll
In Person - VPLF Adaptations
VPLF: Registration
VPLF: Welcome Page
VPLF: Webinars
• Vet VPLF topics with participants• Vary format each day• Mail notes to each participant before VPLF• Short “icebreaker” breakouts at beginning• Record sessions to capture highlights and insights• Facilitate group discussions with outside experts
VPFL: What Worked Well
“I really enjoyed the breakouts and meeting my colleagues. The facilitators were wonderful!”
“It was fabulous the way the technology worked that allowed us to be in small groups and then back into the large group.”
“We also appreciate the personal touches that you give us, e. g., tea bags, the warm greetings … and responsive email assistance.”
“The mode of the virtual forum worked out better than I thought it would. Having the ice breakers in small groups …was very comfortable and personal…”
“Layout and direction for forum were easy to use and follow. Resources mentioned were good, so I am anxious to see them all posted.”
VPLF: What Participants Liked
Pre-recorded interviews not accessed– interview experts during forum
Pre-session discussion threads not well-used– Create after session, ask 2-3 participants to start thread.
Don’t facilitate peer breakouts– Ask a volunteer to take notes and report highlights
Use more polling/chat functions Low evaluation response rate
– End daily sessions with brief polls
VPLF: Lessons Learned
Open Q & A
YOUR FEEDBACK, PLEASE!
Sue BrundegePeer Learning Programs
Integrated Work
Lance A. SimonClient & Government Solutions
iCohere
Thank You to Our Presenters
Virtual Communities, Real Connections:
A Case Study on Building Capacity and Collaboration
Through Online Peer Learning
iCohere Educational Webinar Series
This webinar is produced and funded by iCohere, Inc. and Integrated Work. The views expressed in this webinar do not represent any official views or positions of the U.S. Government.