On a daily basis, we search, test and evaluate various tools and platforms to turn digital meetings and training into effective and engaging experiences. Our biggest competitor to digital education is the traditional on-site education in a course room. Of course, the old truth that projects are made up of people still applies, and that the personal meeting between people is a very important part of learning through the exchange of experiences.
Can digital education replace traditional education in a course room?
The increasingly relevant question in the education industry is whether digital platforms can replace the personal meeting on site in a traditional course room? Our reconnaissance is that Sweden is definitely on the way to a shift, where a large part of organizations' skills development will be carried out digitally. This is not to say that meetings on the spot have their advantages. It is important not to polarize the question to what is best, online or onsite? It is about seeing it from a larger perspective, for example: What need for new knowledge do we have today? In five years? How do we get the changes we want throughout the organization? How do we ensure that all employees have the right basic and specialist skills? How should we be able to quickly change our way of working based on needs and demand? In the answers to these questions, there is probably a combination of online education and traditional on-site education in a room.
The competence development of the future is largely implemented in digital platforms
With a brief look back, we can state that it was not so long ago that e-learning mostly consisted of recorded PowerPoints or static images with explanatory text. Add to that the perpetual clicking of the next buttons. Nowadays, a properly designed e-learning is both engaging and an effective way to quickly and flexibly train different roles in an organization. Theory and basic knowledge are often taught more effectively with e-learning. But when it comes to exchanging experiences and discussions via digital meetings, it is unfortunately the case that today's tools and platforms are not always enough. It easily becomes a bit static and can be difficult for both participants and course leaders to get creative discussions. Of course, a varied approach, the right meeting discipline with switched on webcams and focus can do their thing. But still, it feels like something is missing to get that really good experience at digital meetings. This is where the new generation of digital tools comes into the picture.
Here are some tips on four innovative tools that take digital meetings and online education to the next level. To use one or more of the tools Slack, Teamsflow, Microsoft Viva and Miro will take any digital meeting to new levels.
Slack
It is almost impossible to write a blog post about tools for communication and collaboration without mentioning Slack. Slack can be considered one of the pioneers when it comes to platforms for collaboration within and between groups. Slack themselves write that they want to be the new digital head office. With a variety of features to quickly create collaboration surfaces, it's hard not to like Slack. The fact that there are over 2,400 integrations to Slack also shows that this is a platform that offers the most when it comes to communication. We also like the built-in support for video calling with support for the most basic features. Slack is also an excellent tool for longer training programs, with many opportunities to use the power of dialogue and exchange of experience between participants as part of the pedagogy for competence development.
Teamsflow
First came Skype with its two-way communication between two people. Then came various services for web meetings with functions for groups to meet, share documents and make presentations. Most people probably agree that the experience for this type of platform often becomes static and non-stimulating, even if it works for a while. But it takes a lot of both moderator and other participants to maintain commitment and focus. It's here Teamsflow comes into the picture. These are examples of the next generation of digital meeting places. Design and decorate the digital office to suit you, of course, like a regular office, there are different floors that can be adapted based on needs.
The basic principle is that each employee is shown with a picture and a microphone in a circle. Just like in computer games, you simply move yourself to the floor, conference tables or meeting places you want to go to. When you approach a specific space, the sound from the colleagues gathered at the current location is automatically activated. There is of course support for whiteboards, split screen and a large number of integrations with other tools. Teamsflow offers a real wow feeling and is well worth a try. At the time of writing, they are offering a free trial account.
Microsoft Viva
If you have not already heard Microsoft Viva than that you will most likely do so soon, rest assured. Viva is Microsoft's major upcoming investment in communication, education and exchange of experience. Initially, Viva will be launched with four different modules: Viva Connections, Viva Insights, Viva Learning and Viva Topics. Even for those of us who are in the digital education industry on a daily basis, it is a bit difficult to position Viva. Is it a collaboration space? An educational platform? An AI-based tool for highlighting the most important information that employees need in different situations? The answer will probably be clear soon as the launch on a broad front does not seem to be so remote according to rumors. It is clear that Microsoft largely allows Microsoft Teams to be the cohesive surface for different parts of Viva.
Many of our customers are either switching or acquiring a new Learning Management System (LMS) for the first time. It is difficult to assess how Viva will stand in the competition in terms of functionality and pricing, but it should clearly be that the organizations that are to create or change their way of educating and securing knowledge should take a closer look at what Viva can offer. Most likely, this is a product that will have a big impact.
Miro
Tired of tough meetings in your existing web conferencing service? Miro is a collaboration tool that makes the traditional meeting surface fade. There are lots of creative templates, boards and functions to have effective workshops, meetings and online training. Of course, there is support for working agile and the integration possibilities with other popular tools such as Slack and Jira are also available.
What makes Miro stand out among this type of tool is that both functionality and interface are modern and easy to learn. Only by logging in does the right feeling emerge to bring about that creative and innovative meeting with colleagues. Another advantage is that Miro can be run as an app in Microsoft Teams. At the time of writing, it is possible to create a free account with limited functionality.
Of course, the field of digitization is an increasingly important element in any organization, digital transformation is taking place in most industries today. But what is exciting about the digitalisation of the area of education and meetings is that it is still people and the exchange of experience that is in focus. We follow this area with excitement and will return with tips on more tools in the area.
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