Using digital to build support networks

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Using digital to build support networks

In this video, you will hear about ways in which digital tools are used to help apprentices keep in contact with each other and to build support networks.

Being able to keep in contact with other apprentices and build networks and learning communities is an important part of the apprentice journey. Encouraging apprentices to collaborate and learn together through peer support can help build communities of practice.

“Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” E. Wenger (Educational theorist and practitioner)

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The idea of communities of practice and peer support is linked to theories of learning. For example, social constructivism is a hypothesis that states that individuals learn as a result of social interaction and collaboration with others.

Having social learning as the key pedagogy was an important factor in WhiteHat’s choices about which digital tools and systems to use. Salford City College encourages apprentices to share resources and answer each other’s questions, whilst Great Ormond Street Hospital makes the most of social media to get apprentices to communicate with each other between training sessions.

The multiple locations in which their learning takes place makes communities of apprentices more difficult to build. As Graham Taylor says in the video, apprentices can become isolated if they are left without the ability to contact others.

However, given the right assistance they can build support networks at their workplace and in their training.

Social media

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or WhatsApp are very convenient and useful tools for keeping in touch.

It is very common for groups of apprentices at the same college, training provider or at the same workplace to set up a Facebook or WhatsApp group and keep in touch that way. Usually there is one group involving the trainer/coach and one which is exclusive to apprentices.

Further your understanding:

You can find out more about these social media platforms by following the links in the See Also section. You can also find a copy of Wenger’s publication about communities of practice and read more about learning theories in a literature review conducted by Graham Attwell and Jenny Hughes.

Don’t forget to add new and interesting ideas or information to your course journal.

Have your say:

  • How can you help to build learner communities?
  • How will you ensure that this benefits their experience?

Share and discuss your thoughts with other learners in the Comments.

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