At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought to teach podcasting to undergraduates who were desperate to explore content creation during the lockdown. We started with structured classes but transitioned to an open learning space where new members join and collaborate with one another. Everyone is at a different level and offer experiences and resources that meet the learning needs of others.
In July 2020, the SEVICS team started a practised-based class for undergraduates who wanted to learn about podcasting. The major challenge was the inability of the class to hold physically due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown. The training started as a structured learning event with planned content that was delivered using podcast episodes, pictures, texts and voice notes shared over a WhatsApp group. The participants were able to interact with the instructors, who literally guided them through the process of setting up a podcast.
Of 83 participants, 5 created podcasts and published at least an episode. These individuals were moved to a new group where they were joined by others who were ready to take action based on their learnings. Almost a year later, the group still remains and have received new members who are co-learning and co-mentoring one another to become better content creators. The group has also taken on some diversity with bloggers and bloggers joining.
The solution has created a vibrant community of content creators from Nigeria and a few other countries that persuade prospective content creators to act on their dreams and grow fast. So far, 46 community members are actively creating content. This number grew from 5 at the time the hub was launched. The group operates a few weekly programs including a re-boot on Sundays where a mentor responds to questions and shares new ideas with the group. Posts are allowed in the group only on Fridays and members can critique each other's work and negotiate future collaborations.
In October 2020 during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, the group conducted some advocacy in support of the protest. The video can be found on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWPZRnW_VG0
1. Organize a group of persons who desire to learn about a desired skill
2. Organize a class where basic starter information is shared and participants are encouraged to take action.
3. Learning resources are archived so that members can access them.
4. Simple weekly activities that encourage participation and collaborative learning like a reboot, peer reviews, spotlights and awards are encouraged
