Learning in the New Millennium Phase One: Advice Sheet for companies

Everyone can and will learn!
It was clear that employees were hungry to take part in a learning community both as "guides" and as learners. This was motivating and productive. The extent of this 'hunger to learn' is surprising.

Development of communication skills
Seeking to explain ones work to an inquiring and critical audience enhances employees communicating skills remarkably with multiple gains for an organisation. On-line communities allow these skills to be evolved without too much imposition on time or organisation.

The quality of asynchronous communications are high
Because participants have time for reflection and to think about their own contributions, debate is of higher quality and more people contribute than with face to face. Also, time differences between countries cease to be a barrier. Our research suggests that asynchronous communications can make a major contribution to the quality of internal debate and communications, especially as technology extends well beyond email.

On-line communities need high quality teachers
The teacher / tutor / mentor role is different to the training manager role that companies employ. Our research suggests that companies need good teachers employed internally, with broader roles focussed on the processes of learning.

Participation rates are high
Often in a face to face meeting a few 'stars' and the chairperson dominate. There is less dominance of on-line discussions by a few and a broader spread of participation for various reason (for example you often think of your 'best' contribution after the meeting). Companies seeking employees ideas or collaborative discourse are more likely to succeed through on-line communities.

Collaboration leads to inventiveness
On-line communities encourage working together and collaborating. Learners in such a community raise their skills together and the quality of the communication is higher. This often leads to inventive solutions.

On-line collaboration with schools increases awareness of your industry
However much effort you put into informing schools about your work there is no substitute for the insights that school students gain from on-line relationships extending over time with your employees, to help their understanding of your role and of the jobs within your organisation. You will gain from better motivated, and more aware, applicants and customers.