Posting a question on social media. Calling a colleague. Browsing comments on a blog. Most of us use networks every day to learn. But some organisations take networking further – using technology to create value, new ways of thinking and opportunities to innovate.
First-class tech
Oxford University has just set up the world’s first virtual classroom. Its Saïd Business School boasts an HD video wall made from 27 screens. With biometric cameras, 4D projections and robotics, teachers can address the whole class, groups and individuals. Facial recognition software even monitors attentiveness levels, so you can’t snooze at the back of the class.
Some organisations take learning beyond the four walls. Like startup Immerse which brings together virtual reality (VR) technology, subject-matter experts and teaching programmes. Its projects include helping students visualise viruses by zooming in and walking around bacteria, antigens and antibodies to really see how they react with each other.
But it’s not just out-of-body experiences that headsets recreate. Retail giant Walmart hired VR-specialists Strivr to prepare employees for the Black Friday sales. With 360° cameras and pop-up content, staff can experience the stampedes (without the elbows) and spot ways to stop a situation from escalating.
Extra-dimension learning
The robotics team at Carl Hayden High School (Phoenix, USA) uses MakerBot 3D printers to build robotic submarines. Previously, students sourced parts from manufacturers who made them from metal. This could take weeks after the ordering and iterations required to get the right fit.
Now, students can print out plastic parts in the classroom – spot issues, learn from mistakes and find solutions faster. Technology removes the need for manufacturers, tightening the team’s network so they can innovate quicker and better.
Open to success
Not everyone’s a fan of MakerBot. In 2012, the company moved from open- to closed-source hardware which angered its early adopters.
But many organisations see the value of allowing the public to see and modify its designs. Like WordPress. This open-source content management system was built by hundreds of volunteers. Today, over 300 of the 10,000 biggest websites use WordPress, and worldwide it’s the most popular software to host blogs.
Open-source is the preferred business model for innovators like OpenStax. This online education system cuts out the need for textbooks and lets teachers share and update course materials freely from anywhere in the world.
Feeding the crowd
Crowdsourcing takes the concept of open-source further by asking outsiders for help. Just like animal health company Elanco. As the global population – and demand for protein – soars, it’s seeking alternatives to the antibiotics used in food production. And achieving that will improve the wellbeing of animals and people.
To do it, Elanco’s asking a global, online community of researchers, academics and startups to tackle challenges. As they solve each one, we all get a step closer to safe, sufficient and affordable protein.
OK computer
It’s not just humans sharing on networks. With machine learning, computers can team up to spot patterns humans can’t. It’s why healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) asked tech specialists Luminosoto to use language and text analytics software to gain insight into parents’ concerns about medication.
Algorithms found patterns of fears such as links between vaccinations and autism as a reason for avoiding jabs. GSK uses these insights to create educational content to address misconceptions and offer parents advice.
Sparking connections
Looking for ways to get involved in Learning at Work Week or improve the culture of learning in your organisation? Here are five simple steps to get started.
1. Network likes it’s 1999
Before you browse VR headsets, remember that traditional networking still has value. You can set up a workshop – with colleagues from across your organisation or industry – and ask for their ideas about how they can network to learn. You’ll get a range of perspectives and discover real business challenges you and your people can address.
2. Embrace social networks
As organisations grow and search for global talent, face-to-face communication can get tricky. But you don’t need budget-breaking conferencing gear to connect. You can start small with messaging apps such as Slack, Google Chat and Yammer. They'll help improve collaboration and working culture within flexible offices or virtual teams.
3. Film your own TED talk
TED talks are great for getting under the skin of inspirational leaders, stimulating your brain and inviting new ways of thinking. So, why not create your own panel event with internal talent? You can host a live event and record it to debate over later.
4. Show your ideas
When you start generating ideas, don’t snuff them out in an internal email. Instead, invite employees to create wall art around the office, scribble and share via apps such as Bamboo, MrOwl and Trello. Or add ideas to a storyboard on Pinterest.
5. Leave a digital legacy
It’s easy for big ideas to lose momentum after the event. So, film the good work of your activities, take pictures of group events to share on a company Instagram, and invite colleagues to blog about what they’ve learned.
Reference: Saïd Business School,‘Saïd Business School opens Oxford Hub for International Virtual Education’. Available at: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/school/news/oxford-hub-international-virtual-education
Thomas Macauly. ‘Could virtual reality be the future of training and education’. (Aug 2017) Available at: https://www.techworld.com/startups/could-vr-be-future-of-training-education-3662665/.
Graham Buchanan, ‘5 Examples of Companies Innovating with Crowdsourcing’ (Jan 2018). Available at: https://blog.innocentive.com/2013/10/18/5-examples-of-companies-innovating-with-crowdsourcing.
Comments