Social learning is a powerful way to build community, encourage peer interaction, and enhance learning through collaboration. Guroo Academy offers several features to facilitate social learning, from task discussions and group work to integration with external social media platforms.

This article covers the key social learning features available in Academy and how to use them effectively.

Social Media Groups

While Guroo Academy has built-in communication features like Posts and task discussions, many cohorts prefer to use social media platforms they already use daily for quick communication and networking.

WhatsApp Groups

WhatsApp is particularly popular for real-time communication and works well for:

• Quick questions and coordination
• International cohorts where WhatsApp is the primary messaging tool
• Small to medium-sized cohorts (under 50 people)
• Fast-paced programs needing immediate interaction

Setting up a WhatsApp group:

First, create a group in WhatsApp. 

In your program, under Program Settings > Social Learning, add a description and include the link or QR code generated in WhatsApp. 

There are two types of groups available:

• Program Groups – designed for discussions during the course. This can be displayed in program onboarding, and under the Cohort tab. 
• Alumni Groups – designed for past participants to stay in contact. These can be displayed during the course, or after the course has concluded. 

Add the WhatsApp group to your program onboarding via the Onboarding tab. 

Tips for using WhatsApp groups in your course:

• Define what should be discussed in WhatsApp vs Academy
• Make joining optional, not mandatory
• Consider whether facilitators need to be in the group or if it should be a learner-only space

LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn groups work well for professional networking and can extend beyond the program duration.

When to use LinkedIn groups:

• Professional development programs where networking is valuable
• Alumni communities
• Industry-specific programs
• Long-term professional connections

Setting up a LinkedIn group:

First, create a private group in LinkedIn. 

In your program, under Program Settings > Social Learning, add a description and include the link from LinkedIn. 

There are two types of groups available:

• Program Groups – designed for discussions during the course. This can be displayed in program onboarding, and under the Cohort tab. 
• Alumni Groups – designed for past participants to stay in contact. These can be displayed during the course, or after the course has concluded. 

Add the LinkedIn group to your program onboarding via the Onboarding tab. 

Tips for using LinkedIn groups in your course:

• Position as a professional networking space, not the primary communication channel
• Encourage sharing industry articles, job opportunities, and professional insights
• Facilitators participate but don't need to monitor constantly

Group Tasks and Sessions

Academy's groups feature allows you to create teams of learners who collaborate on specific tasks and projects. The following features can be used with groups:

• Adaptive Sections – different learning activities can be shown to different groups
• Group Task Submissions – tasks can be submitted by one individual on behalf of a group and shown as complete for all group members
• Group Sessions – each group can be allocated to a different live session (eg. face-to-face or webinar) and will only see their own session in Academy
• Posts and Announcements – posts can be made to specific groups instead of the whole cohort. 

Setting up groups:

For detailed instructions on creating and managing work groups, see Creating and Managing Groups. 

Task Discussions

Task discussions allow learners to see and comment on each other's work, creating opportunities for peer learning and feedback.

Setting Up Task Discussions:

When creating or editing any task:

Go to the Social Learning tab, and toggle on Share with Class

Share with Class Settings: 

Allow opt-out:

• Enabled: learners choose whether to share their submission with classmates
• Disabled: all submissions automatically shared
• Use opt-out for sensitive topics; disable for community-building activities

Hide from other participants until they submit:

• Enabled: learners can't see classmates' submissions until they submit their own
• Prevents copying and ensures independent thinking
• Recommended for analytical or creative tasks

Class discussion on response:

• Enabled: learners can comment on each other's submissions
• Disabled: only facilitators can comment
• Great for discussion-worthy topics

Facilitator Comment Requirements:

• Optional: facilitators can comment but it's not required
• Should comment: encouraged but not enforced
• Must comment: required before learners can proceed

Best Practices for Social Learning

• Be intentional – Don't enable social features on everything; choose where peer interaction genuinely adds value based on your learning objectives
• Set clear expectations – Explain what's expected (e.g., "comment on at least 2 classmates' submissions"), model good discussion behaviour, and provide examples of constructive feedback
• Build community early – Use social features at the start of the program with introductions and getting-to-know-you tasks, then build up to more substantive shared work throughout
• Monitor thoughtfully – Keep an eye on discussions and address issues quickly (unconstructive feedback, off-topic conversations), but don't micromanage – encourage peer-to-peer interaction and highlight excellent contributions
• Use platforms strategically – Use Academy for formal learning discussions and submissions, external groups (WhatsApp, LinkedIn) for networking and quick coordination, and be clear about the purpose of each space