Stay Connected, Keep Learning: Inside Intrepid’s New Learning Community Feature

Author: Intrepid by VitalSource
October 24, 2024
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learning community

At Intrepid, we believe learning doesn’t stop when the course ends—it thrives when learners continue to connect and collaborate. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our learning Community feature, a powerful new tool designed to keep the learning momentum and engagement going long after a learning program. Community extends traditional learning and development by providing a dedicated space for ongoing dialogue, idea-sharing, and innovation.

Why learning from Community matters We know that learning doesn’t stop when the course ends, but science also tells us that without periodic engagement, information is easily forgotten—a phenomenon called the Forgetting Curve, developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus. Research shows that learners can forget up to 70% of newly acquired information within 24 hours if it isn’t reinforced. This is where community engagement plays a vital role, offering continuous reinforcement through discussions, shared insights, and revisiting key concepts.

forgetting curve


Incorporating spaced learning techniques, such as ongoing community interactions, helps counteract this decline in retention. The AGES model (Attention, Generation, Emotion, and Spacing), developed by neuroscientists at the NeuroLeadership Institute, also emphasizes the importance of spacing information over time to promote deep learning. By keeping learners engaged in community discussions, asking questions, and sharing real-world applications of their learning, we create repeated exposure to content, improving both retention and performance.

Through these principles, the new Community feature at Intrepid helps learners retain more of what they’ve learned and apply it effectively in their work, long after the formal training ends.

What are learning Community examples?

Community will allow you to enhance your learning programs, or even build entirely new ways of learning. Here are some great examples of how you could use a Community, but don’t let this list limit your own creativity!

1. Alumni community

An Alumni community allows program graduates to connect and exchange experiences and ideas after a program ends. It’s an excellent way to extend the learning journey and continue adding value by offering fresh insights and updates.

2. Create a stand-alone community

Communities can be tied to a class, but they can also stand alone! You may have topics you want to share or open up for discussion without needing a full program. Think of it like a LinkedIn group but within your learning environment.

3. Expert Q&A hubs

Create a community where subject matter experts (SMEs) can engage directly with learners. Learners can post questions and receive expert advice in real time, fostering deeper understanding and interaction with the content. This could work well for technical training or product knowledge communities.

4. Peer learning circles

Build communities where learners can form study groups or discuss topics. This is perfect for learners who want to go beyond course material and gain insights from their peers’ experiences.

5. Onboarding support groups

Use communities to support new hires during their onboarding process. They can ask questions, get tips from colleagues who’ve been in their shoes, and share their own experiences. Admins can also pin important posts with key resources or tips for success in their first 90 days.

6. Innovation and ideation communities

Set up a community where team members can pitch ideas and innovations. Encourage brainstorming and collaboration among participants to solve business challenges or come up with new product ideas. Managers can track engagement and turn the best ideas into actionable initiatives.

7. Career growth and mentorship networks

Develop a mentorship community where employees can connect with mentors, share career advice, and discuss their career development. This could be an ideal space for leadership development programs or talent acceleration pathways.

8. Industry-specific communities

Create niche communities focused on industry-specific discussions, such as regulatory updates, best practices, or industry trends. These communities provide learners with a space to discuss emerging trends and stay ahead of changes in their field.

9. Employee wellness communities

Support employee well-being by creating communities dedicated to wellness topics, where employees can discuss fitness, mindfulness, mental health resources, and more.

10. Certification prep and study groups

For learners preparing for industry certifications, create study group communities where they can discuss exam tips, share study resources, and quiz each other in preparation for the final test.

Online learning Community feature at a glance

Here are some key features of the new Community feature:

Public and private communities

Users have the flexibility to join public communities accessible to all, or participate in private, invitation-only groups for more targeted discussions. Auto-enrollment options are available for learners who complete paired classes on the Intrepid platform, seamlessly transitioning them into the relevant community to continue their learning journey.

how to build a community of practice


Collaboration and connection

Within the Community, members can post questions to spark conversations, share their insights, and engage with both peers and subject matter experts. Whether it’s discussing course-related topics or linking to relevant articles or videos, this feature creates an interactive environment that fosters deeper learning and continuous dialogue.

learning communities


Content curation

Community Managers can easily manage and curate content, ensuring that key discussions and resources remain visible and accessible by pinning important posts to the top of the page. This role enables them to guide conversations, post announcements, and keep the community organized and relevant to its members.

what is a learning community


Interactive infographics

Each community features dynamic infographics that provide a visual snapshot of member activity, such as the most engaged posts or active users. These insights help both members and admins track participation and ensure that the community remains vibrant and valuable.

learning community examples


Scalable and easy to use

Built with scalability in mind, the Community feature allows organizations to manage multiple communities with ease. Automated notifications and reporting streamline administrative tasks, giving Community Managers more time to focus on fostering high-quality interactions, rather than handling manual processes.

Community transforms learning into a continuous journey, providing an interactive space where learners can engage, share ideas, and collaborate in real time, and you can have as many communities as you need.

Whether extending the learning experience or creating a stand-alone group, Community offers a space for ongoing dialogue, reflection, and exchange of experiences—well beyond the program’s completion.

Learn more about Intrepid’s learning Community feature

If you’re a current Intrepid customer, we’ve curated essential resources to help you get started:

  • Feature details: Need a step-by-step guide on setting up and managing your communities? Visit the Intrepid Help Site for detailed instructions on how to create, manage, and optimize your learning communities.
  • Join the Intrepid Admin Community: Want to get hands-on experience with the Community feature and connect with other admins? Join our exclusive Intrepid Admin Community to collaborate, share best practices, and enhance your admin skills.
  • Press release: Explore more about the launch of our Community feature and how it’s designed to enhance collaboration and learner engagement in your L&D programs.
  • Community Pricing: Is there an extra fee for the Community feature? No, there isn’t! The fee structure for Community users is the same as for users enrolled in classes. Whether a user is part of one or multiple communities or classes, they are only counted as a unique user for fee purposes.

Take full advantage of this exciting new capability to build richer learning experiences and foster meaningful connections!

Endless opportunities for learning

The learning Community Feature extends the value of your L&D initiatives, offering endless possibilities for connection and growth. Whether you’re creating an alumni network, a Q&A hub, or peer learning circles, Intrepid’s Community feature provides a vibrant space for amplifying collaborative learning.

Ready to transform your learning experience? Explore the possibilities with Intrepid’s Community feature by requesting a demo today!

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Intrepid by VitalSource

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