Foster team training with a collaborative learning platform

If collaborative training isn’t already on your learning and development roadmap, you might be missing out. The truth is that traditional training methods are as outdated as dial-up internet. Sitting through long lectures with limited interaction can be passive and disengaging for employees, leading to lower knowledge retention and motivation.

The numbers speak for themselves – today’s workforce and Gen Zers prefer social learning. According to a 2020 survey by North-West University, 92.3% of Gen Z learners stated that social learning tools must be included in their formal education. Creating a learning culture with this group in mind is critical to company growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that Gen Z will account for 30% of the U.S. workforce by 2030.

So, how can your organization meet the demands of new skills, learning styles, and employee demographics? This is where collaborative learning platforms come into play. These platforms not only facilitate collaborative training, but also foster a positive work culture, enhance employee skills and knowledge, and boost knowledge retention and engagement.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• The concept of collaborative learning
• The role of collaborative learning platforms
• The benefits of collaborative training
• Its impact on teamwork
• The intersection of technology and collaborative learning
• The future of collaborative learning platforms

Understanding collaborative learning

Collaborative learning is a training methodology that emphasizes active participation, knowledge sharing, and peer learning. It goes beyond the traditional training session where an instructor lectures and participants passively absorb information. Instead, collaborative learning encourages employees to collaborate, communicate, and work together to solve problems, gain new insights, and enhance their skills. This methodology recognizes that learning is a social process and that individuals learn best when they are actively engaged and involved in the learning process.

The concept of collaborative training

Collaborative training is a training methodology rooted in collaborative learning principles to create more involved learning experiences. It involves training sessions that promote active participation, peer training, and learning from fellow team members. By integrating new concepts and practices into your training plan, collaborative training ensures that employees acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their roles. Moreover, collaborative training supports different learning styles, providing learning materials and training programs that cater to diverse learning preferences.

Why collaborative training matters in the workplace

Collaborative training programs are an important piece of your L&D learning strategy. Here are five of the primary reasons why:

1. Shared learning culture: These programs play into your organizational culture, fostering a sense of shared learning and collaboration.
2. Online training platform ease: Collaborative training uses online training platforms, which are more effective in catering to current learning needs, especially in remote work scenarios.
3. Deeper learner engagement: Collaborative training programs boost employee engagement by creating a real-time, shared learning culture where knowledge is actively discussed.
4. Professional growth: They also support long-term development programs, allowing employees to upskill and reskill.
5. In-the-flow learning: Lastly, collaborative training programs provide training that adapts to the flow of work, ensuring that employees receive training that is relevant and tailored to their specific job requirements.

The role of a collaborative learning platform

A collaborative learning platform plays a vital role in facilitating collaborative learning within an organization. It provides the technological infrastructure and tools needed to create an effective learning experience. More specifically, these platforms enable employees to access learning materials, participate in online training sessions, and connect with colleagues.

How platforms facilitate collaborative learning

Collaborative learning platforms facilitate shared learning experiences through various features and functionalities. These platforms support different types of learning materials, such as videos, interactive modules, and online courses, catering to different learning preferences. They also provide forums, discussion boards, and social learning features, enabling employees to collaborate, ask questions, and share insights. Additionally, creating diverse learning matertials empowers diverse learners. Accessible learning collaterals remove barriers and allow individuals with different learning styles to engage with the material effectively. This fosters a more inclusive learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn.

Through these features, collaborative learning platforms facilitate real-time interactions and seamless communication. This creates an environment where employees can actively engage in collaborative learning, strengthening knowledge retention and fostering a shared learning culture. Furthermore, by providing a centralized platform, your company promotes peer learning among employees, regardless of their geographical location or time constraints.

Key features of an effective collaborative learning platform

A collaborative learning platform should have key features that boost collaboration, knowledge sharing, and quality learning experiences. Some of these features include:

• Active learning: The platform should support active learning strategies, such as problem-solving exercises, group discussions, and case studies, to engage employees and enhance their learning experience.
• Social learning: The platform should have social learning capabilities, such as discussion forums, peer-to-peer feedback, and knowledge-sharing communities, to facilitate collaborative learning and foster a shared learning culture.
• Different learning styles: The platform should offer learning materials and training programs suited for different learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, to accommodate diverse employee preferences.
• Collaboration tools: The platform should provide collaboration tools, like shared documents, online collaboration spaces, and project management features, to enable team members to work together on group projects and collaborative assignments.
• Personalized learning: The platform should allow employees to customize their learning journey by providing personalized recommendations, learning pathways, and targeted training content, based on their individual needs and goals.

Traditional LMS often struggle to support collaborative learning. This is because they are designed for content delivery and individual assessments, lacking the features needed to facilitate social and interactive learning. For organizations aiming to foster collaboration among learners, it's crucial to look for a learning experience platform (LXP) with built-in collaboration functionalities. LXPs offer features like discussion forums and social learning tools, making them ideal for supporting collaborative learning approaches.

What are the benefits of collaborative training?

Collaborative training offers numerous benefits, both for the individuals undergoing training and your organization as a whole. It fosters a learning culture, enhances employee skills, and boosts engagement. Let's delve deeper into these benefits.

Fostering a learning culture through collaborative training

Collaborative training programs foster a learning culture within your organization by promoting active learning, peer training, and knowledge sharing. Collaborative training models support training productivity by encouraging team members to actively engage in learning, leading to a more involved training experience. These programs also build a positive work culture where continuous learning and knowledge sharing become the norm.

In the Return on Intelligence podcast, The Aaron’s Company spoke directly to this idea of using learning to build a positive culture within their stores. “The demonstration of skills really builds the store culture. Because it starts from the top down when the manager sets the expectation of show me that you know how to do the skills, but it's okay to make a mistake.. . It's a culture of learning and of true development, so it's okay to make mistakes and learn how to do better. I think it builds that great team developmental culture within the stores.”

Enhancing employee skills and knowledge

Collaborative training programs play a crucial role in enhancing employee skills and knowledge. By fostering active learning and peer training, these programs provide employees with practical, hands-on experience that improves their skills and increases their confidence in applying new concepts. Collaborative training models also integrate best practices and industry standards, ensuring that employees are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.

Boosting knowledge retention and engagement

Knowledge retention and engagement are vital factors for effective training programs, and collaborative training excels in both areas. Through real-time peer learning, employees actively participate in training sessions, discuss concepts, and apply their knowledge, leading to better retention of information. According to Cornell University, research shows that educational experiences that are active, social, contextual, engaging, and student-owned lead to deeper learning. Collaborative training programs also use online courses and learning materials tailored to different learning styles, providing engaging training content that focuses employees' attention and keeps them motivated throughout the training process.

The impact of a collaborative training methodology

Collaborative training has a significant impact on teamwork within organizations. It strengthens team dynamics, promotes healthy competition, and facilitates peer learning. Let's explore how collaborative training can positively influence your teamwork.

Strengthening team dynamics with collaborative training

When team members actively engage in collaborative training, they build stronger relationships, learn from each other, and develop a shared understanding of team objectives. Collaborative training promotes collaboration skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, which are essential for successful teamwork.

Promoting healthy competition and peer learning

Collaborative training programs also promote healthy competition among team members, driving them to excel and achieve their best. By providing platforms and opportunities for peer learning, collaborative training enables team members to learn from each other's experiences and challenge each other to grow. This peer learning environment creates a culture, where team members exchange ideas and push each other to achieve new heights. FYI: Gamifying your learning management system lends itself well to friendly internal competition.

Read the blog: Absorb Engage: 5 Key features to boost learner engagement

The intersection of tech and collaborative learning

We’re living in a digitally connected world so it’s no surprise that tech is at the forefront of collaborative learning. From mobile devices to online learning platforms, technology amplifies collaborative learning experiences and creates new opportunities for impactful training.

How technology amplifies collaborative learning

Technology enhances collaborative learning by providing the infrastructure and tools necessary for team training experiences. Online learning platforms like learning management systems (LMS) allow employees to access training materials, participate in online courses, and collaborate with fellow team members, even those working remotely. For example, mobile learning apps allow employees to learn anytime, anywhere, creating a more flexible and accessible learning experience. Additionally, real-time collaboration tools, such as video conferencing and chat, bring team members together, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.

Navigating the challenges of implementing tech-enabled learning

While technology enables collaborative learning, your organization may need to navigate certain challenges when using tech-enabled learning. These challenges include:

• Subject matter expert involvement: Organizations must assemble an LMS implementation dream team to create training content, integrate tech with existing systems, and roll out to internal users.
• Choosing the right training method: With various online training methods available, organizations need to choose the most suitable method for their training needs, considering factors such as the nature of the training, learning objectives, and employee preferences.
• Integrating online courses into overall training plan: Your collaborative learning platform should seamlessly integrate into your overall training plan, ensuring that it complements other training activities and aligns with organizational learning goals.
• Overcoming resistance to change: Some employees may resist adopting online courses and collaborative training platforms. Your organization should address their concerns and highlight the benefits through well-crafted internal communications.

How collaborative learning platforms will reshape learning

As collaborative learning continues to evolve, so will the collaborative learning platforms. We’d be remiss to not mention emerging trends in learning and how your organization can prep for the future of training.

Emerging trends in collaborative learning platforms

Several emerging trends are shaping the future of collaborative learning platforms:

• Microlearning modules: Bite-sized learning content, such as microlearning modules, is gaining popularity, allowing employees to access training materials in short, focused sessions for quick knowledge retention.
• Gamification: Gamification is increasingly used to enhance employee engagement by incorporating game elements, such as badges, points, and leaderboards, into the learning process.
• AI-powered chatbots: AI-powered chatbots will provide real-time support and personalized learning experiences, answering employees' questions, providing feedback, and guiding their learning journey.

Preparing for the future of collaborative learning

To prepare for the future of collaborative learning, your organization should consider the following actions:

• Foster your learning culture: Organizations should prioritize creating a positive work culture that emphasizes a continuous learning mindset.
• Develop subject matter experts: Subject matter experts play a vital role in facilitating collaborative training programs. Companies should invest in developing subject matter experts who can effectively lead and facilitate collaborative learning sessions.
• Provide formal training on collaborative learning best practices: Along with developing experts, organizations should train their employees on collaborative learning best practices to ensure effective implementation of collaborative training programs.
• Lean into emerging technologies: To create more involved learning experiences, companies should embrace new tech that lends itself well to real-time communication.
• Create a long-term plan: Lastly, organizations should develop a long-term plan that combines collaborative training methods with employee development programs, supporting individual and organizational success.

How to choose the right collaborative learning platform for your organization

When narrowing down your search for a collaborative learning platform, it's essential to consider various factors so you can choose the one that fits your training needs and company culture.

What should you look for in a collaborative learning platform?

Here are some key things to look for when choosing a collaborative learning platform:

• Best practices and formal training programs: The platform should support best practices and offer formal training programs so your organization can follow industry standards and provide quality training.
• Integration with company culture: Consider a platform that aligns with your organizational culture and values, facilitating a seamless integration of collaborative learning into your work environment.
• Different learning styles: Look for a platform that supports different learning styles and provides learning materials suited for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, enabling all employees to engage in a way that works for them.
• Scalability: Evaluate the scalability of the platform, considering your organization's growth trajectory, expansion plans, and development programs, to ensure that the platform can accommodate your future training needs.
• Customization options: Find a platform that offers customization options, allowing you to create new concepts, courses, and training materials that specifically cater to your company’s unique requirements.
• Customer support: Ensure that the platform provides comprehensive customer support, education, and resources to facilitate a smooth adoption and implementation process within your organization.

Implementing collaborative training with Absorb

A collaborative learning platform enables employees to engage, interact, and learn from each other, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. By tapping into this team-focused software, you can facilitate effective collaboration, enhance employee skills and knowledge, and promote healthy competition and peer learning. It also helps build positive relationships, contributing to a vibrant and successful work culture.

Ready to take the next step in your collaborative learning journey? Let us help. With Absorb LMS, you can implement collaborative learning strategies, support workforce development, and foster team cohesion. Request a demo and discover how our learning management systems online can help you create engaging and interactive learning experiences tailored to the unique needs of your workforce.