Your Content Can—and Should—Build Community

With the rise of AI writing platforms, online publishing tools, video technologies, content development has become widely democratized. With a lower barrier of entry to high-quality content development, having the best content is no longer enough to connect with your audience. 

For content organizations, the focus must shift to creating engaging, community-driven learning experiences that are accessible and relevant to learners' busy lives. 

In the face of this shift, organizations like the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), a content, professional development, and networking organization for healthcare leaders, are rethinking how learning is designed, delivered, and experienced, moving from individual, siloed consumption to fostering vibrant learning communities.

We sat down with David Bartholomew, Senior Vice President of Learning at ACHE to learn how the organization is bridging the gap between traditional content development and modern learning—and get his tips for other organizations looking to do the same. (You can watch the full webinar here).

For David, it’s about creating learning experiences that are personalized yet community-driven—starting with the content itself and using it as a launchpad for community.  

Rethinking Content Creation

Historically, content creation relied on static, periodically updated materials, designed for self-study or live group discussion. But today’s learners expect content that evolves quickly, remains aligned with real-world developments, and easily integrates into their schedule. 

In the face of this, ACHE augmented its traditional publishing model with a more dynamic approach. Alongside its traditional textbooks, it also uses that content to create learning experiences, combining textbook content with updated supplemental materials, webinar clips, panel discussion highlights, and case studies. This approach makes content more engaging and practical, allowing learners to see how concepts apply to their work and share their relevant experiences. Because these experiences are deployed in a learning platform, it becomes possible for learners to connect and collaborate with one another at any time rather than relying on synchronous discussion. 

“We are content generators and knowledge brokers, and we need to think about how we’re distributing that content so it has utility across all audiences. The goal is to elevate everyone at the same time,” said David.

This evolution is all about reimagining foundational materials. David compares it to baking a cake. You have flour, sugar, and egg as base ingredients for a cake, but they can also be used for crepes, cupcakes, or any number of desserts depending on how you approach them.

For content organizations, rethinking content for today’s learners doesn’t need to mean investing in new content. It means creatively reimaging existing content to build a learning ecosystem that is dynamic and meets the needs of its audience. 

But rethinking content creation is just step one. 

From Content to Community

Content that’s tech-forward and optimized for the needs of modern learners creates a springboard to drive conversation, connection, and community.

ACHE has adopted a blended approach to foster this sense of community with its content.

“We’ve really changed how we approach learning,” David shared. “Technology allows us to create opportunities to streamline learners into groups with similar goals. Whether they are in the C-suite, beginning leaders, or students, we meet them where they are and provide robust learning environments that support their objectives.”

“Previously, our model included sessions on finance, boards, and strategy, with a few site visits,” he continued. “Now, we focus on optimizing learners’ time together. For example, we might take participants to an organization, discuss what we’ve learned, and explore how they’ve applied those lessons. It’s about learning from each other and connecting those experiences back to what we’ve studied.”

The power of community lies in its ability to amplify learning. When learners exchange ideas and reflect on their experiences, they create collective intelligence that benefits everyone. This collaborative environment not only deepens individual understanding but also strengthens the bonds within the learning community.

Building Learning Communities of the Future

David emphasizes a mindset of integration rather than division. The "culture of and" challenges binary thinking—synchronous versus asynchronous, individual versus collective—and supports learning environments where these modes coexist.

The key takeaway is clear: the future of learning lies in blending digital interactivity, peer networking, and practical application, organizations can create engaging, adaptable, and learner-centered experiences.

About Honor

IAt Honor, we envision a world where everyone can collectively learn anywhere, anytime, in an environment that fosters creative and critical thinking, community, and connection.

Our platform serves partners across higher education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors to put human connection at the center of online learning, resulting in increased comprehension, engagement, and retention.

If you’d like to learn more about how Honor supports organizations like the American College of Healthcare Executives, contact us here. A member of our team will be in touch today.