How to engage people in social learning in online and hybrid formats
This module is a part of a larger collection of bite-sized learning
on facilitating social learning spaces.
This collection of learning bites was created by Danida Fellowship Centre together with Beverly and Etienne Wenger-Trayner and produced by Grape and Brand By Hand. Photos used in the collection were taken by @Crawfurd Media, @E Pictures Media Ltd, @Daniel Samwel and Danida Fellowship Centre, supplemented with Stock Photos.
Tips for making online and hybrid formats work
Click each to learn more.
Even online, people need to feel seen before they’re ready to share.
Begin with a quick round of check-ins, a short breakout café, or a story prompt – just to break the ice.
This helps people feel like participants, not just names on a screen.
Make it personal and grounded in experience. Try prompts like:
“Tell us about a time when you …”
“What’s been difficult for you in this context?”
These questions invite reflection, not Googling.
Even if you feel that you can’t require cameras on, you can explain why it matters.
When people see each other, trust builds faster.
If someone turns off their camera, check in with them. Do they need help?
In hybrid formats, be intentional about including remote participants:
Put them on a laptop at the table during small-group activities, or in the inner circle of a fishbowl (see separate bite on the fishbowl format).
Assign a “buddy” to carry the laptop around during the activities.
Include them in the flow of conversation rather than leaving them observing.
Give online participants a lead role, such as facilitator or note-taker.
Invite people to take initiative.
Use different formats and configurations to help people engage with the topic and each other.
Clarity about the process helps people focus on engaging with the content.
Sometimes energy dips. That’s okay. Do not assume that it is your responsibility to keep the energy high, but do have a few good prompts ready: a new angle, a story question, or a shift in group setup.
This helps you follow the energy and keep the space alive – even if the plan changes.
In a space where you don’t have all participants gathered physically around a whiteboard, flipchart or wall of post-its, you might use free and accessible cloud-based resources like Padlet, Mural and Google Docs for sharing questions, reflecting together and documenting insights from the collective learning journey.
