Following a recent edition of our regular lunchtime knowledge-sharing programme ‘Download Thursday’ – where we discussed the rise of so-called ‘massive online organised courses’ (MOOCs) and other knowledge repositories on the internet – our training and standards go-to guy Antonio decided to delve deeper into this sticky web of possibilities. Some of his discoveries are summed up in this ESN White Paper. Enjoy.

1. Issue # 2 - 2015
Getting you in the ‘moodle’ for on-the-job learning
From educational platforms and innovative online book-renting services to tools for visualising or
mind-mapping ideas, the way in which digital training and education is evolving is quite staggering.
Following a recent edition of our regular lunchtime knowledge-sharing programme ‘Download
Thursday’ – where we discussed the rise of so-called ‘massive online organised courses’ (MOOCs)
and other knowledge repositories on the internet – our training and standards go-to guy Antonio
decided to delve deeper into this sticky web of possibilities.
He didn’t disappear into the unsavoury recesses of the Dark Web, if you were thinking that! But he
did enrol in a fascinating workshop organised by CEFORA on digital training tools.
The purpose of the workshop was to discuss how to bring digital training tools into companies – their
added value, what they imply in terms of knowledge management, structure of training plans etc. The
workshop went even further, as the tools presented were not only for ‘training’ per se, but also to
establish a collaborative environment, create mind-maps and manage learning environments (see
examples below such as Moodle, which is a great name by the way).
At ESN, we are already using some of these tools – for instance Lynda (recently bought by LinkedIn)
– which is an online education service offering a growing range of courses in everything from
software tools to business skills. Pockets of our staff our Slack fans and our IT team is partial to
MindMeister when mapping out new web projects. But we are always looking for new and better
ways of doing things, and often that means trying new online platforms to achieve this.
Selected education, training and collaboration tools
Moodle is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a single
and integrated system to create personalised learning environments.
Popplet is a tool that allows users to visualise ideas. You can create graphic organisers, timelines, and
many other forms of visual organisation.
Padlet (formerly Wallwisher) is a free application to create an online bulletin board that you can use
to display information for any topic. You can add images, links, videos, and more.
Slack is a team collaboration tool allowing real-time messaging, archiving and search functions.
MindMeister is a tool that allows collaborative mind-map creation which can be shared and accessed
online. It can be used for real-time brainstorming sessions.
Chegg is a company specialised in online textbook rentals (both in physical and digital formats),
homework help, online tutoring, scholarships and internship matching.
European Service Network
Galerie Ravenstein 4
B-1000 Brussels – Belgium
Phone: +32 (0)2 646 40 20
WHITE PAPER

2. Skillshare is a community of online classes focusing on learning new creative skills.
CEFORA’s workshop presentations are available for public perusal.
We would be interested to know what tools you use to boost knowledge-sharing, creativity, project
management, internal communications, daily work life… in your company.
European Service Network (ESN) is a Brussels-based ISO-certified communications agency serving
major European institutions, national authorities and corporate clients in diverse sectors. Get in
touch if you want to learn more about what we have to offer: www.esn.eu/contact