MODULE 5 – COLLABORATIVE LEARNING SPACES & PEER CONNECTIONS

5.0 Description

5.1 Getting Started With Collaborative Learning

5.2 What You Need To Know To Know About Peer Connections and Networking

5.3 Virtual Collaborative and Peer Connection Spaces Tools to Learn Together Online

Why Peer Connections and Networking?

  • The goal of networking is to build valuable relationships, learn from and become a key influencer.
  • Networking is about sharing, not taking. It is about forming trust and helping one another toward goals.
  • Regularly engaging with your contacts and finding opportunities to assist them helps to strengthen the relationship. By doing this, you sow the seeds for reciprocal assistance when you need help to achieve your goals.
  • Networking is a great source of fresh ideas and new perspectives. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences and goals is a key benefit of networking because it allows you to gain new insights that you may not have otherwise thought of. Similarly, offering helpful ideas to a contact is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.
  • Raises your profile – being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential to career building. You can then help to build your reputation as knowledgeable, reliable and supportive by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.
  • Opens new doors – Expanding your contacts can open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth, or simply new knowledge.
  • Facilitates exchange of information – Networking is a great opportunity to exchange best practice knowledge, learn about the business techniques of your peers and stay abreast of the latest industry developments. A wide network of informed, interconnected contacts means broader access to new and valuable information.
  • Widens your support network – Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of networking. Discussing common challenges and opportunities opens the door to valuable suggestions and guidance.