The Power of Sharing Your Work and the Need for Bespoke Learning Communities

The Power of Sharing Your Work and the Need for Bespoke Learning Communities

Introduction:
In today's interconnected world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it is becoming increasingly important to share our work and ideas in public. While some studies suggest that keeping our intentions private can increase our likelihood of accomplishing goals, others argue that sharing our progress and ideas can be highly beneficial. In this article, we will explore the case for sharing your work in public and the need for smaller, more thoughtful learning communities.

Benefits of Sharing Your Work in Public:

1. Reflection and Planning:
   Sharing your work in public provides an opportunity for self-reflection and helps in planning your next steps. By documenting and showcasing your progress, you can gain valuable insights into your own work and identify areas for improvement. Austin Kleon, the author of Show Your Work, encourages us to become documentarians of our own journey, allowing us to learn from our experiences and refine our approach.

2. Iterative Approach and Meeting Needs:
   When you share your work in public, you invite feedback and engage in a more iterative approach. This ensures that what you're working on aligns with the needs you have identified. By actively involving others in your process, you increase the likelihood of receiving valuable input that can further enhance your work. Great ideas often emerge from the intersection of various perspectives, and sharing your work opens up avenues for collaboration and innovation.

3. Connecting and Networking:
   Sharing your work in public allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests. By finding and engaging with people who care about your work, you can foster meaningful connections that may lead to mentorship opportunities or potential partnerships. This network of individuals can provide valuable insights, support, and inspiration, enriching your own creative process.

The Unbundling of Udemy:
As the internet evolves, the concept of "one-size-fits-all" learning environments is becoming less desirable. Platforms like Udemy, which offer a vast catalogue of courses on various topics, are no longer meeting the needs of learners. We now crave smaller, more thoughtful communities that replicate the social experience of traditional learning settings.

Education 3.0, characterized by online learning platforms, aimed to replicate the social aspect of college, book clubs, or group classes. However, most edtech startups failed to capture the essence of social learning, focusing too much on transactional efficiency. The social aspect of learning together, sharing experiences, and engaging in discussions is a crucial component of skill development and knowledge acquisition.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace Vulnerability: While sharing your work in public may feel uncomfortable at first, it is essential to embrace vulnerability and overcome the fear of judgment. Start by sharing your progress with a small, trusted group and gradually expand your reach. The more you share, the easier it becomes, and the more valuable feedback and connections you can receive.

2. Find Your Community: Seek out online groups or offline meetups that align with your interests and goals. Engage with individuals who share similar passions and actively participate in discussions and knowledge-sharing activities. By finding your community, you can foster meaningful connections and create a supportive network that helps you grow both personally and professionally.

3. Balance Sharing and Doing: It's important to strike a balance between sharing your work and actually doing the work. Sharing should not become a distraction or an excuse for procrastination. Develop a workflow that allows you to regularly share updates while dedicating sufficient time and effort to your work. Use sharing as a tool for reflection, feedback, and collaboration, rather than a substitute for productivity.

Conclusion:
Sharing your work in public holds numerous benefits, from reflection and planning to networking and collaboration. It allows for a more iterative approach that aligns with the needs you have identified. Additionally, the need for smaller, more thoughtful learning communities is becoming increasingly evident, as we crave the social aspect of learning together. By embracing vulnerability, finding your community, and balancing sharing and doing, you can unlock the power of sharing your work and create a more engaging and fulfilling learning experience for yourself and others.