centreforelearning

Social learning, at its core, is a network of communities. This network is usually formed and accessed through the use of social media. The community network provides the “path” for an effective flow of information.

A community network is the primary source of advice, methods, leading practices, lessons learned, and innovation. It’s the “repository” of content, experience, and intelligence that enables people to learn, develop, and excel at work. The effectiveness and usefulness of the community network is a function of its size and make-up.

A new generation of learning is here. Today, employees are working in a very fast-paced environment and they need learning that is immediate, relevant, and delivered in the context of their work. Social media won’t do the job alone. Organizations must embrace social learning and adopt the leading practices presented in this article if they want their employees to keep their company on the cutting edge. Social learning works when it is born from a well thought-out strategy, is made up of mature community networks, is fueled by motivated members, is a resource of great content, and is guided by meaningful metrics. Take some of the ideas presented in this article and start implementing them now.

5 Examples of How Schools Are Using Social Media to Enhance Learning buzzmarketing daily, 5 March 2010

Social network tweets to classes, Liau Yun Qing, ZDNet Asia, 5 February 2010

In-Class Tweeting in a Large Lecture Class, Tiffany Gallicano, 30 January 2010

gust 2009 Twitter Style Guide, Sherry Main, Social Media Today, 16 August 2009

Twitter Scavenger Hunt Helps Students Learn More About Campus,19 Au

25 Twitter projects for the college classroom, OnlineColleges.net, 10 August 2009

Twittering in an educational setting, Elizabeth Hannan, Social Media Today, 17 May 2009

Twitter as a Learning Tool.  Really. Pat Galagan, ASTD, March 2009