How IBM Supercharges Its L&D Efforts by Building Communities of Learners

Abstract

Learning and Development organizations (L&Ds) in the workplace face a challenge: Individual learners have at their fingertips a wide range of always-on, remotely accessible learning tools. When individuals come together to learn as a community, they improve their study habits and their results. So how do you meet learners where they are, and at the same time, encourage them to engage in a learning community to accelerate the outcome? IBM has expertise in creating community-oriented initiatives that help technology professionals improve the way they learn—and, ultimately, enhance the likelihood of success on IBM certification exams. Learners who engaged with the IBM community over an extended timeline have proven most likely to successfully complete learning assignments, earn industry-recognized credentials, and apply their new skills in their careers. This paper will share examples of some of the innovative, community-oriented initiatives that IBM has designed and implemented, with an emphasis on the “Study with Me” challenge—a community-building and support program created to complement IBM’s extant popular group study sessions.