London’s coffeehouses to Bell Labs: a short history of learning communities

London’s coffeehouses to Bell Labs: a short history of learning communities

"the things you collect say so much about who you are." - Ben Silbermann

Pinterest CEO, Ben Silbermann, once said that the things we collect say a lot about who we are. This statement resonates with the idea of learning communities, where individuals come together to learn and collaborate on a shared learning goal. But what exactly is a learning community? At its core, it is a group of people who meet regularly to learn together and support each other in their learning journey.

The concept of learning communities goes beyond just acquiring new knowledge. It satisfies the need for belonging, as outlined in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. When individuals join a learning community, they become part of a group that shares a common learning goal. This sense of belonging and camaraderie gives them a feeling of esteem, the second level in Maslow's hierarchy. When learners make progress towards their shared learning goal, they feel respected and valued within the community.

To foster a busy exchange of ideas and encourage collaboration, it is crucial to have a critical mass of talented individuals. This was evident at Bell Labs, where thinkers and doers were housed under one roof. Kelly, the head of Bell Labs, trusted his employees to create and help one another. Collaboration was organic and inevitable, as all employees were asked to work with their doors open. This open and flexible approach allowed for interruptions but also provided valuable insights into the world and what might be important.

The purpose of education should not solely revolve around the acquisition of a predetermined set of skills. Instead, it should focus on realizing one's full potential and using those skills for the greater good. Learning how to learn is a crucial aspect of education. Students thrive when they are allowed to interact with the curriculum and actively participate in their own learning. Education and learning are inherently social and interactive processes.

In today's digital age, platforms like Pinterest have revolutionized the way we learn and share knowledge. Pinterest CEO, Ben Silbermann, was inspired to create Pinterest after watching the movie "Pirates Of Silicon Valley," which depicted the journeys of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. This inspiration led him to move to California, where he believed he could be close to people who would inspire him.

When Pinterest was launched, it initially faced challenges in gaining traction. However, a program called "Pin It Forward" proved to be an inflection point for the platform. Bloggers participated in a chain letter-like exchange of pinboards, sharing what home meant to them. This event marked the moment when Ben realized the potential of Pinterest and its ability to connect people through shared interests.

Pinterest's mission goes beyond just being a digital platform. It aims to inspire people to get offline and pursue the things they love. The concept of learning communities aligns with this mission, as they encourage individuals to actively engage in their interests and passions.

To make the most out of learning communities and platforms like Pinterest, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Foster an open and collaborative environment: Encourage individuals to work with their doors open, both metaphorically and literally. Collaboration and the exchange of ideas can lead to new breakthroughs.

2. Embrace the social aspect of learning: Recognize that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about building connections and engaging with others. Create opportunities for interaction and collaboration within the learning community.

3. Be open to inspiration: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and push you to grow. Seek out new ideas and perspectives, and be open to exploring different avenues of learning.

In conclusion, learning communities have a rich history, from the coffeehouses of London to the innovation hub of Bell Labs. They provide a sense of belonging and esteem, while also fostering collaboration and learning. Platforms like Pinterest have further expanded the possibilities of learning communities in the digital age. By embracing the principles of open collaboration, social learning, and inspiration, individuals can make the most out of these communities and unleash their full potential. So go ahead, join a learning community, and start exploring your passions and interests. Remember, the things you collect say so much about who you are.