Understanding roles: the learner and the host
In a Makeshapes experience, the traditional "teacher and student" dynamic is replaced by a social learning model designed for scale, consistency, and impact. Because the platform provides the expert content and structural guidance (auto-facilitation), the people in the room are free to focus on what matters most: the conversation.
The learner: active explorer
A learner in a Makeshapes session is not a passive observer. You are part of a "social engine" where learning happens with and from others.
Active engagement: You will use your own device to interact with activities like polls, drawings, and word clouds that visualize the group's opinions in real-time.
Driving the magic: While the platform delivers content, the real "magic" happens during group discussions. Your role is to share stories, practice new concepts, and reflect on how they apply to your work.
The host: the social driver
The host is the essential driver who brings the group together. Unlike traditional delivery, you don't need to be a highly skilled facilitator or a subject matter expert.
Trust the platform: Makeshapes is designed to do the heavy lifting. Often, your main technical task is clicking Next activity to guide the group through the flow.
Focus on the human connection: Since the platform delivers the expert media, you are free to focus on managing the group's energy, encouraging participation, and ensuring everyone feels safe to contribute.
The learner with the remote: Think of yourself as a learner who happens to have the "remote control". You should participate in the activities alongside your peers to lead by example.
Stay flexible: The timers on each screen are guides, not hard rules. You have the power to pause the session for a great discussion or speed up if the group is ready to move on.