By Rick Nigol 

When I started out in this business a dozen years ago, there really were no academic or training programs about eLearning that one could turn to for a general grounding in the field. Today, there is a multitude of learning opportunities to help bring one up to speed on eLearning, from eLearn Campus’ own online Certificate in eLearning Management, right up to a newly created doctoral program in Work-based Learning Leadership, offered by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

So, on reflection, I would have to say that just about everything that I have learned about eLearning has been through the various people that I have met and worked and interacted with over the years. The people I have worked closely with in both the public and private sectors, the people I have met through various professional associations, and random contacts made through the years, have helped shaped my view of what constitutes best practices in eLearning. This is why I believe strongly in adherence to proven adult education principles, active learning approaches, and the use of technology only to the extent that it serves the achievement of learning outcomes.

 

I am truly fortunate to have met some wonderfully intelligent, passionate, dedicated and creative people along the way. Each has had an impact on my perceptions of what approaches work best in eLearning. In fact, there is a small group of folks I consult regularly for advice and guidance as required, and whom I bring on to projects requiring their special talents. They are, in essence, my private network.

 

However, this private network was formed purely by chance. I feel that I was lucky that I met who I did, when I did, or I could have been taken down a very different path. To a great extent, we are the products of our networks. We all look to others for ideas, inspiration, mentorship, leadership, but this process is often the product of chance, rather than choice.

 

eLearn Campus has decided that networks are too important to be left to chance. That is why we are creating the eLearn Campus Peer Network, which will take a very deliberate approach to hooking up like-minded eLearning professionals looking for a reliable and ongoing professional development support network.

 

The Peer Network is a limited membership group of organizations that seek to close the gap between the knowing of best practices in eLearning, and applying those best practices to their current projects.  They collaborate, interact, share, and learn together through a series of live online and in-person events.  If you're serious about taking your eLearning to the next level, we invite you to join us!   > Check out the Featured Webinar (below) for more information.   What do you get as a member? Who should join? What are the key benefits? What does the annual membership fee include? How can you apply to join?   To have a casual chat to determine if this is something that can help your organization, contact Jon-Anthony at 416-238-3297, or jon@elearncampus.com.