If you’ve been designing online courses for a while, you’ve probably wondered: how can I replicate the organic, spontaneous social interaction of in-person learning in an asynchronous online environment? You can lay out great content, structure modules beautifully, even add interactive elements—but giving learners opportunities to connect, reflect, and construct knowledge together takes engagement to the next level.

That’s where social learning comes in—not as an optional add-on, but as a fundamental thread woven through the learning experience. At its core, social learning is about learners constructing knowledge together. That means moving beyond “watch/read/respond” models and creating experiences where interaction is essential to learning. Brightspace tools can help!

Conversations That Matter

Let’s start with the obvious: discussion boards. When designed intentionally, discussions can become spaces for authentic dialogue.

Frame prompts that ask learners to take a stance, solve a scenario, or connect theory to their lived experience. Instead of “What did you think of the reading?”, try “You’re a consultant facing this situation. How do you advise your client?”

Another great community post, if you want to learn more about this topic, is Fostering Engaging and Authentic Interactions with the Brightspace Discussion Tool.

Learning in Community

Small groups are a key part of most in-person courses. So, why not online? When you build out project-based or problem-based learning activities in Brightspace, you can use the Groups tool to assign learners to groups they can work with throughout the course. Learners can collaborate on presentations, solve design challenges, or even create podcasts or case studies.

One example I’ve seen is using the Groups tool to assign peer coaching partners. Learners met weekly to reflect on learning goals, gave each other feedback on assignments, and co-created study resources. The result? Increased engagement and collaboration.

Feedback Loops That Build Confidence

Peer feedback isn’t just about editing each other’s essays. It’s a social construction of knowledge in action. When learners critique and build on each other’s work, they’re reinforcing their own understanding, practicing communication skills, and seeing alternative ways of thinking.

For example, having learners pitch startup ideas, collect peer feedback, and revise before their final submission.

Add a Human Touch with Multimedia

Text posts are fine, but real connection often comes through voice, expression, and personality. Brightspace allows for multimedia responses—so why not switch it up and ask learners to submit short video reflections? You can also use the Virtual Classroom to hold optional, informal check-ins or peer brainstorm sessions, even in an asynchronous course.

Instructors can also lead the way by using videos themselves. The Video Note feature in Brightspace lets you quickly record and embed videos throughout your course—perfect for welcoming learners, introducing content, or explaining an assignment.

Bonus: Brightspace can auto-generate captions, helping you maintain accessibility without added effort.

Celebrating Learner Engagement

Social learning thrives when it’s recognized. Brightspace’s Awards and Badges system is perfect for this. Create custom badges for accomplishments like “Top Collaborator,” “Constructive Critic,” or “Community Builder”.

Not only does this provide recognition within your course, but learners can share those badges on LinkedIn, allowing them to showcase collaboration, leadership, and communication skills in a professional context.

Final Threads

As instructional designers, we know learning is not just about content—it's about connection. Designing for social learning in Brightspace means creating space for curiosity, empathy, challenge, and growth. When done well, it transforms an online course from a solo journey into a collaborative tapestry of shared insight.

So, what threads are you weaving into your next course?

Let’s swap ideas—drop your favourite social learning strategy in the comments!

Want to Learn More?

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