What are some innovative ways to use technology for networking in staff development?

Networking allowed to share others business and professional knowledge.Newly employees can gather knowledge and development online skilled.

Where you might have a nationally based team technology allows for ready communication, in real time as well as in delayed forms where time zones may differ greatly. Even if teams are structured locally technology allows for cross team meetings. This is important if functions are common in different locations. Staff programs used such as yammer allow people to meet where staff are in large organisations across floors. Social elements where face to face meetings are difficult help form working networks and fertilise learning within an organisation, Using external networks such as LinkedIn can lead to growth of a professional personal growth and knowledge of alternative employment opportunities elsewhere

One thing I've found helpful is recruitment marketing activations that involve the team in an activity that reveals company policy and culture. One time while working for a textile brand that was launching its retail store, we developed a mural building activation that proved to be most successful for onboarding new team members.

Send out cheat sheet before PD to download the Blinq app(Digital Business Card). Add the QR code to all name badges. One scan and you have business contacts saved to your phone as well as a way to send them yours with a picture attached. Great way to network quickly while having a brief conversation.

I would recommend going beyond just following people / pages. Reach out to someone whose job title and / or posts interest you asking for a quick chat. I've met some of my very best professional friends this way!

Virtual events are great. Avoid being afraid of using apps during your events (white boards, such as Miro, Jamboard or even the Zoom white board), gaming and polls (like Mentí). Take the risk, make your virtual events interactive, let your participants have a stake, motivate for open cameras. Look into the camera when presenting, not just at your slides - make it feel like you are having eye contact. Take risks, change the dynamic. People are bored of the same type of meetings and presentations. We can do better, and technology offers a huge variety of options to be creative.

Customer service chat services are used externally, why not use it internally with HR behind the keyboard? Subscribe to any one powerful eLearning solutions, and help guide staff towards what would help them develop in their careers.

Virtual events can provide a safe place for the participants to be vulnerable and seek the support for areas that are of true concern. Because the participants can vary in their experiences (personally & business) it is critically important to provide a space wherein participants can feel comfortable (safe space). The virtual space also diminishes the unfortunate but natural tendency to code switch. If the goal is to gain knowledge with the hope of creating a healthy sustainable culture and climate, this is an option worthy of exploring.

LinkedIn is such a powerful tool when it comes to networking and creating a portfolio. The interface is easy to use and you can easily generate a resume for sharing out to potential groups of people you wish to network with. The vast availability of materials and courses helps to add on one’s expertise and gives an opportunity to showcase and collaborate in various sectors which in my opinion is a very good way of leveraging technology in not only showcasing your capabilities but equally networking with diverse groups. With right apps like LinkedIn, individuals can grow their networks exponentially based on what they share and with whom they share in the platforms.

In Education digital portfolios allow educators to curate their online presence, highlighting their unique strengths and contributions to the field. This can help them establish a strong professional brand and reputation within online communities and networks.

Online platforms like LinkedIn give you an open podium to showcase and share your creative and thinking abilities. Every time you present a new work, you communicate with the existing group and a whole lot of other people who could potentially become a part of your community.

One of the strengths of the virtual portfolio is the flexibility. The portfolio provides the opportunity to use several types of technology while respecting the participants ability to navigate technological skills at their own level of comfort. An additional benefit is the portability of the portfolio. Participants can also update the portfolio content based on real time experiences. The fluidity of the electronic portfolio has some definite benefits.

The one thing that separates the winners is their determination to be consistent in whatever they do. Breakthroughs don't happen overnight!

Many of these examples assumes ‘technology’ for an ‘online’ experience. The online experience is going to be different than anything you do face to face so adjust for the difference. I’ve seen professors just teach online like they are still in the classroom - and it’s a completely different environment. You can’t just take what you do in the real world and just do it in an online environment. You have to ‘transpose’ for the environment. Online class is akin to the horseless carriage. They just took the 2 ideas and called it what they thought it was - an online class. We don’t call it that these days because it became a totally different thing. So if you’re going to do anything online - don’t just do what works offline.

Technology is a tool that can be used to enhance and engage participants. I have found that gamification has been highly influential in getting people to network in staff development. This is especially true if they have to work in teams. Friendly competition in groups often brings many out of their shells to help their teammates accomplish the goal the team is trying to reach. Sites like Kahoot!, Quizizz, and Gimkit are easy ways to add gamification to staff development and gently "force" networking on employees.