Modern learning and development strategies often seek to leverage peer-to-peer learning in one form or another; strategies include workplace collaboration, social media-based learning, personal networks, peer mentoring, and communities of practice, among others. L&D professionals may find, however, that promoting peer-to-peer learning is not as easy as enabling communication technologies and assigning roles. Learning leaders are sometimes surprised by inactive enterprise social networks and weak peer-to-peer support for learning.

This interactive session will discuss specific strategies for cultivating a peer learning community, including when and how to leverage technology and other community supports to enable and amplify peer-to-peer learning. Drawing from research and case studies on successful learning communities, the session will provide specific recommendations for cultivating social learning among employees who need encouragement and support to effectively engage peers as learning partners and resources.

In this session, you will learn:

• About key factors that influence the formation and strength of a peer learning community
• Specific strategies for cultivating a peer-to-peer community to promote learning
• About the responsibilities of community managers and sponsors in successful community-building efforts
• About potential barriers to peer-to-peer learning and strategies to mitigate them

Audience:
Novice to advanced designers, managers, directors, and senior leaders (VP, CLO, executive, etc.) who have some experience with the challenges of promoting social learning in organizations.

Technology discussed in this session:
Enterprise social networks, sharing platforms, learning spaces, and public social media.