Human Factors of XR: Using Human Factors to Design XR Systems
Virtual Communities, Real Connections
1. Virtual Communities, Real Connections:
A Case Study on Building
Capacity and Collaboration
Through Online Peer Learning
iCohere Educational Webinar Series
This webinar is produced and funded by iCohere, Inc. and Integrated Work.
The views expressed in this webinar do not represent any official views or positions of the U.S. Government.
2. Sue Brundege
Peer Learning Programs
Integrated Work
Lance A. Simon
Client & Government Solutions
iCohere
Welcome to Today’s Presenters
303.516.9001
sue@integratedwork.com
202.870.6146
lance@icohere.com
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14. Objectives
• Understand how peer learning helps develop staff
and build organizational capacity
• Learn strategies for creating peer learning groups
that cost-effectively enhance knowledge, skills, and
resources
• Explore peer learning models and practices that work
well in virtual environments
• Identify first steps to develop virtual peer learning
groups
15. • Facilitated, supportive discussions with colleagues
• Based on adult learning principles
• Builds on cumulative knowledge and experience gained from
each group member
• Focused on participants’ needs and perspectives
• May include select experts and resources selectively
to enhance learning
• Cultivates strong professional relationships
• Is action-focused and tailored to address diverse
circumstances
What is Peer Learning?
16. • Role: developed, facilitated, and managed peer learning
programs for past 13 years
• Clients: State nonprofit associations and clinics with federal
funding to expand health care access
• Statistics: 7 – 9 peer learning groups; ~ 480 enrolled
participants; > 200 different organizations
• Goal: accelerate learning, increase organizational capacity,
and improve collaboration and professional connections
across federal grantees
Context: What We Do
17. • People working in similar roles but geographically
separated
• Grantees from separate organizations collaborating on
a larger mission
• Government staff with similar functions working in
different offices
Who is Peer Learning Good For?
18. • Relevance. Peer learning discussions directly relate to
participants’ key responsibilities, needs, and interests.
• Validation. Participants are energized to learn that “they
are not alone.”
• “Real Life.” Participants learn practical solutions to real-
life problems from others in similar roles.
• Connection. Strong bonds with peers inspire, motivate,
and support.
Peer Learning Benefits Participants
19. • “Brain trust.” Continual access to collective wisdom of
peers.
• Documentation. Synopses of peer learning exchanges
create a cumulative body of knowledge participants can
access any time.
• Innovation. Peer learning encourages creative thinking,
brainstorming, and experimenting with new ideas in a
supportive environment.
Peer Learning Benefits Participants
20. • Onboarding. Hearing from others with similar duties
accelerates the learning curve for new staff.
• Development. Participants grow professionally both by
learning from and sharing ideas with colleagues.
• Efficiency. Peer learning builds capacity more quickly and
cost-effectively than most training programs.
• Monitoring. Peer learning insights inform funders of staff/
grantee needs, interests, issues, progress, and successes.
• “Cross-pollination.” Funders can apply peer learning ideas
and strategies to other programs and initiatives.
Peer Learning Benefits Funders
34. Virtual Peer Learning Forum (VPLF)
• More intensive peer learning exchanges than monthly
conference calls
• Substitute for face-to-face meetings
• Customized for each peer learning team
• Webinars as primary events
• Supplemented with discussion threads and online resources
35. • 3-5 consecutive days
• 1-1/2 to 2-hour Webinar sessions
• Teleconferencing using customized PINs and small audio
breakout sessions
• Registration module
• Discussion threads – introductions, topics, questions,
resources
• Library – articles, presentations, marketing materials web
links, interviews, etc.
VPLF: Structure/Format
36. Face-to-Face
• Emailed meeting agenda
and logistics documents
• Emailed questions,
resources and prep work
• Agendas
• One-on-one icebreakers
• “Show of hands”
• Participant presentations
• Small group discussions
• Written evaluations
VPLF
• VPLF Page on Portal with
descriptions/instructions
• Post materials, questions, and
interviews on Portal
• Session scripts
• Audio icebreakers
• Webinar/audio polling
• Screen sharing, slides
• Audio breakouts
• Online evaluation form/poll
In Person - VPLF Adaptations
40. • Vet VPLF topics with participants
• Vary format each day
• Mail notes to each participant before VPLF
• Short “icebreaker” breakouts at beginning
• Record sessions to capture highlights and insights
• Facilitate group discussions with outside experts
VPFL: What Worked Well
41. “I really enjoyed the breakouts and meeting my colleagues.
The facilitators were wonderful!”
“It was fabulous the way the technology worked that allowed us to be in
small groups and then back into the large group.”
“We also appreciate the personal touches that you give us, e. g., tea
bags, the warm greetings … and responsive email assistance.”
“The mode of the virtual forum worked out
better than I thought it would. Having the ice
breakers in small groups …was very
comfortable and personal…”
“Layout and direction for forum were easy to
use and follow. Resources mentioned were
good, so I am anxious to see them all posted.”
VPLF: What Participants Liked
42. Pre-recorded interviews not accessed
– interview experts during forum
Pre-session discussion threads not well-used
– Create after session, ask 2-3 participants to start thread.
Don’t facilitate peer breakouts
– Ask a volunteer to take notes and report highlights
Use more polling/chat functions
Low evaluation response rate
– End daily sessions with brief polls
VPLF: Lessons Learned
45. Sue Brundege
Peer Learning Programs
Integrated Work
Lance A. Simon
Client & Government Solutions
iCohere
Thank You to Our Presenters
303.516.9001
sue@integratedwork.com
202.870.6146
lance@icohere.com
46. Virtual Communities, Real Connections:
A Case Study on Building
Capacity and Collaboration
Through Online Peer Learning
iCohere Educational Webinar Series
This webinar is produced and funded by iCohere, Inc. and Integrated Work.
The views expressed in this webinar do not represent any official views or positions of the U.S. Government.
Editor's Notes
OTHER:
Training
Move mission forward with like-objective people/groups
building and sustaining global CoPs
OTHER:
Mitigating the turnover of 100% of our personnel every 5 years
Reproducible content (don't want first session to be rich, second/third/subsequent not to contain as much content.)
Need to determine how to work with counterparts that are non-Americans.
Mediocre returns to date
5 mediums
2 somewhat high (8 of 10 score)
None High
: large group discussions, small group breakouts, outside speaker presentations, participant case studies, resource “show and tell” sessions, videos, site tours, etc.