The Partner Spotlight series features stories of Engageli partners who are using Engageli to facilitate learning experiences around the world. Partners join us to share their stories of virtual teaching and learning.
Background
Communitech is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the growth of technology companies with leadership development programs. They offer short-term professional development workshops characterized by active learning and high levels of engagement. Before the pandemic, Communitech ran a majority of these programs in-person and were constrained by the size of physical rooms for large sessions. They now run all their sessions virtually and have increased the capacity of these sessions because of the flexibility with Engageli. We were joined by the director of Learning and Development at Communitech who shared the organization’s story in the transition to using Engageli.
Starting with sticky-tape solutions during the pandemic:
When the pandemic forced our programs online, we started working with Zoom, which was clearly designed as a meeting platform, not a learning platform, so it had its limitations. Our programs are designed to include small group work, to be collaborative, and provide an engaging experience for our participants. However, we had to use sticky-tape solutions to access a whole suite of tools to get there. We had to match up people in different breakout rooms or do a randomized assortment since we typically have two or three sets of smaller group conversations. And the facilitators and participants had a less-than-ideal experience with all of this. It was labor intensive, and all the tools we found were inflexible at the moment.
Replicating the in-person experience with Engageli’s tables:
In search of something that was web-based and would pass all the security protocols of the companies, we came across Engageli. It not only met those basic requirements for us but it gave our programming the in-person energy that we had lost. The tables with Engageli have transformed everything for us, we didn’t have to ask people to go into a suspended space to go off and do something. We can have the facilitators continue to give additional instructions and have participants easily ask questions while working in their groups. We also could set up the table groups ahead of time and assign people to groups for different activities ahead of time. Participants could continue to chat with their tablemates throughout the session, and it was the closest thing we could do to replicating the in–person space. Our participants really like Engageli more than previous tools. The tables allow them to communicate and feel like they are part of a community. It feels like an in-person experience.
Engageli has also shifted the way we design our sessions - they are participative and engaging from the very beginning. People can start making connections at their tables instantly! Because we're working with tech companies, when we started using Engageli, the feedback was amazing.
Taking it beyond what’s possible in person:
We were thrilled to be able to bring back the energy of in-person interactions, and then we realized we could take it even further. When you are in person, sometimes if the facilitator gives instructions during group work you have to pause what you are working on, but with Engageli’s table chats you can continue the conversation in the chat even when the facilitator is speaking. We also appreciated the Miro integration so people can co-create in space together.
The engagement markers in real-time with Engageli are transformational - they allow the facilitator to check the pulse of the room as participants are working at tables without even checking in. Even if the cameras are off, facilitators can check on engagement levels at each table and intervene where necessary. This is beyond what is possible in an in-person setting, even being able to assess body language, and eases the load of facilitation.
Looking ahead:
Engageli has allowed Communitech to begin a transformation of the way that we run our professional development sessions. The Engageli team has been incredible in helping us get up and running and responding to our requests for support and features. We are excited to use more of the engagement analytics in the future to help optimize our sessions across different facilitators, and continue to find ways to keep our members engaged.
Thank you to Communitech leaders for their time and for participating in our Partner Spotlight series. Subscribe to the Engageli blog to catch the next instructor spotlight, and if you are interested in learning more about using Engageli, visit: engageli.com/getting-started