We observe the world around us and learn its structure by
abstracting cause and effect, and by documenting recurring
solutions obtained under different conditions. Such empirical
rules, representing regularities of behavior, are called
"patterns." Visual patterns are the simplest expression of the
pattern concept (Salingaros, 1999). Many patterns are hard-wired
into our mind: we inherit actions and reactions that guarantee our
survival. Other patterns have to be learned, and form an
artificial extension of the human mind. The ability to observe
patterns gives us the human advantage of both adapting to, and
changing our environment. Of course, the complexity enveloping a
pattern in each specific setting has to be partially cleared so as
to get at its basic mechanism.
The language of a group of patterns forms the groundwork for
any discipline. Learned pattern languages -- not intrinsic to the
human mind -- were carefully preserved in the past. Many patterns
of human relations are codified into religions, myths, and
literary epics. A collective intelligence develops from pooling
discoveries accumulated over generations. This process is entirely
general. The sciences rely on mathematics for the ability to
organize data and explain phenomena by means of regularities, or
logical patterns (Steen, 1988). Breakthroughs occur when patterns
in one area link to patterns in other areas.
Brent MacKinnon on 11 Feb 12Jane Hart clearly makes the distinction between social learning and Social Training. Her work and the work of her colleagues in the Internet Time Alliance are informing me about social artistry in the workplace. I discover better strategies to work with organizations as I learn from Jane and those at the ITA. Anyway, this type of informal learning happens individually - as people go about their daily tasks - as well as socially - when we are with others. Social learning is therefore not a new term or training trend, it is something that has been happening since time immemorial - both inside and outside organisations - as we learn with and from others. So we might learn from others (intentionally or unintentionally, consciously or unconsciously) by asking questions of our colleagues, through discussions in meetings , or even in casual conversations by the proverbial watercooler. And, it is also in social learning that powerful insights to problems often arise that have been generated by the collective wisdom of employees
