A pedagogical signature in the name of high standards: how IJA creates engagement and enhances the value of its experts with Glowbl
Based on the June 25, 2025 masterclass in partnership with IJA
A pedagogical signature that reflects high standards
Objective: to design an engaging, coherent, and high-quality learning experience—for both learners and expert trainers. Glowbl has become a central pillar of this transformation. Here’s why.
Key challenges: Aligning excellence, engagement, and differentiation
IJA (Institut Juridique d’Aquitaine) provides training for adults retraining as legal assistants. Over the course of a 9-month distance or blended learning program, learners prepare for a Level 5 RNCP (associate degree equivalent) legal certification. This long and demanding cycle requires sustained engagement and solid skill-building.
At the same time, the institute itself faces several strategic challenges:
- Creating a distinctive pedagogical signature in a competitive market
- Gathering richer feedback on the learner experience
- Enabling legal professionals—without teaching backgrounds—to deliver with impact and pleasure
“Our trainers are legal professionals. Their expertise is unquestionable, but teaching isn’t their job. We needed a system that showcased their knowledge while making delivery easy.”
— Dominique Laborderie, Instructional Designer at IJA
Before Glowbl: Zoom showed its limits
Sessions were previously delivered via Zoom. While it handled video conferencing, it quickly showed limitations:
- Limited instructional design: one-size-fits-all rooms, no real differentiation
- No continuity between sessions: no persistent learning space
- Low engagement: attention drops, interaction is minimal, cameras go off
“Zoom didn’t support our pedagogy. It was just a broadcast tool.”
An active methodology built for adult learners
IJA’s learning design is based on andragogy and the flipped classroom model. Rather than one-way lectures, live sessions are spaces for practice, application, and consolidation.
🧩 Structured virtual classrooms
Each Glowbl session is built on a carefully crafted instructional scenario. Learners are split into breakout groups, with each group working on a different aspect of a shared topic—chosen by the expert and aligned with the profession’s standards.
“Glowbl allows us to run breakout work smoothly, without technical hassle.”
🔄 Co-learning begins before the live session
Before the synchronous session, learners already collaborate on Glowbl, preparing questions they want to explore with the trainer. This changes everything: the live session becomes a space for activation, not content delivery.
“Bringing your own questions gives meaning to the session. It’s no longer a class—it’s problem-solving.”
🧭 Continuous pedagogical monitoring
Every two weeks, group follow-ups are scheduled. These checkpoints are key for tracking progress, preventing learner drop-off, and maintaining a strong group dynamic.
“It’s a session everyone looks forward to. Learners share their progress and doubts—it helps build continuity.”
🤝 A friendly onboarding session—fully remote
The first class, crucial for establishing group cohesion, is now delivered 100% online—with success. Thanks to Glowbl’s immersive environment, participants connect naturally, avoiding the coldness often felt in traditional video calls.
“We create a warm, friendly atmosphere—like in-person. That changes everything.”
Core components of the learning model
- Flipped classroom: Learners study independently via the LMS, then join Glowbl for collaborative workshops
- Breakout activities: Case studies are divided across tables; each group prepares a presentation, then all results are discussed in plenary
- Simplified facilitation: Thanks to Glowbl’s structured session planning, even trainers with limited digital skills can follow a clear path with pre-loaded content
- Group cohesion: Icebreakers like “Find What You Have in Common” help build community from Day 1
Why Glowbl made the difference
Glowbl is not just a video tool—it’s a purpose-built learning environment. For IJA, this distinction is essential.
- Trainers focus on content, not technical handling
- The virtual space embodies the learning group, simplifies logistics, and fosters co-learning
- The environment supports speaking, collaboration, and scenario-based design—core drivers of active learning
“Glowbl made an ambitious pedagogy accessible—even for non-teaching experts. That’s rare.”
Outcomes and transformations
✅ Strong positive learner feedback on facilitation and feeling supported
✅ Trainers more engaged and satisfied in their role as learning facilitators
✅ Greater instructional coherence, thanks to alignment between tools and methods
Dominique shared a memorable anecdote: A well-known, usually intimidating lawyer in lecture settings completely changed her posture thanks to Glowbl.
“I had never experienced such a positive class,” she said after a session where everyone actively participated.
Shifting from a “teacher” to a “facilitator” mindset proved to be a breakthrough—for both the experts and the learners.
From the learner perspective, feedback is unanimous: they feel more engaged, better supported, and above all, empowered to speak up, ask questions, and help one another. One cohort from January showed such strong cohesion that it was already visible at their first in-person gathering in April.
Key success factors
- A clear pedagogical strategy and commitment: IJA built a strong, distinctive learning model and invested in tools and support
- Human-centered support: Dominique Laborderie played a vital role in supporting trainers, helping them design activities and adopt a facilitative approach
- Glowbl as an enabler: Glowbl is the technological backbone that made this active pedagogy truly work—results would not have been the same without it
About IJA
Based in Bordeaux, the Institut Juridique d’Aquitaine (IJA) is a private institution specializing in legal training delivered fully online or in blended format. It offers a state-certified diploma for legal assistants (Level 5 RNCP), as well as targeted courses for law firms and notarial offices.
IJA supports students, career changers, and professionals seeking advancement. Known for its personalized guidance, high success rates, and strong job placement, the institute is Qualiopi-certified and eligible for public funding (including CPF in France).