The Future of Community and Learning: On Deck Series A Memo

The Future of Community and Learning: On Deck Series A Memo

Introduction:

In today's rapidly changing world, individuals are seeking meaning, identity, and community in new and unconventional ways. The decline of organized religion has led people to explore alternative avenues for fulfillment. One such avenue is the rise of online communities, where individuals can find like-minded individuals and form connections. On Deck, a community-driven platform, has tapped into this need and successfully created a space for individuals to grow personally and professionally. By combining community and curriculum, On Deck has redefined the concept of education and built a thriving network of learners.

On Deck's Unique Approach:

On Deck has distinguished itself from the first generation of "ed-tech" platforms that failed to live up to the hype. By learning from their shortcomings, On Deck has successfully "re-bundled" community with curriculum. They understand that learning is not just about the content but also about the relationships and support system that come with it. On Deck has built a culture that fosters peer-to-peer education, making the learning experience more rewarding and personal.

The Power of Community:

On Deck recognizes that who you learn with is as important as what you learn. The camaraderie and respect developed within a community are invaluable in the learning process. On Deck's programs bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, creating a rich environment for collaboration and growth. This emphasis on community has resulted in strong repeat engagement, with many participants signing up for multiple programs. The high Net Promoter Score (NPS) and the significant number of referrals further demonstrate the value participants find in the On Deck experience.

Macro Trends Driving On Deck's Success:

On Deck's success can be attributed to several macro trends that align with their mission and vision. Firstly, there is a decline in traditional higher education, accompanied by the rise of "ed-tech 2.0." This shift is centered around the re-bundling of virtual curriculum and community, a space in which On Deck thrives. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of distributed living and working. On Deck, often referred to as "Silicon Valley in the Cloud," has positioned itself as a leader in remote collaboration and networking. Lastly, uncertainty creates new needs, and On Deck has capitalized on this by providing opportunities for individuals to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace the power of community: Seek out platforms or communities that align with your interests and goals. Engage actively and build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. The support and perspective gained from a strong community can greatly enhance your personal and professional growth.

• 2. Reimagine learning: Move beyond traditional educational models and explore innovative approaches that combine curriculum with community. Look for platforms like On Deck that prioritize peer-to-peer education and provide a holistic learning experience.

• 3. Embrace remote work and collaboration: As the world shifts towards distributed living and working, embrace the opportunities that come with remote work. Seek out platforms and organizations that foster remote collaboration and networking. Location will become less important in hiring, so leverage this trend to explore new opportunities and expand your network.

Conclusion:

On Deck's unique approach to community and learning has positioned them at the forefront of the evolving education landscape. By recognizing the importance of relationships and support in the learning process, On Deck has created a thriving platform that meets the modern needs of individuals seeking meaning, identity, and community. As we navigate the future, embracing the power of community, reimagining learning, and embracing remote work will be key to personal and professional growth. On Deck serves as a shining example of how these principles can be successfully integrated into a platform that empowers individuals to thrive in an ever-changing world.