Social Learning: Leveraging its Power as an L&D Professional

For all of us in Workplace Learning and Performance (WLP) arena, changing preferences, dynamics and priorities in learning are part of the game. We had traditional modes viz. classroom training, coaching, e-learning, blended learning and you name it... Enter the new kid off-the block- Social Learning!
What is Social learning? Before we go in defining, let's appreciate Social Media...which encompasses internet, intranet, social networking (face book, LinkedIn, Blogs, Twitter etc.).Gen-Y appreciate them and are comfortable using them.
Social Learning is about learning culture and engagement process involving social media. Democratization of learning wouldn't have gone any better. It's about power of collaboration and social/peer group. Let's see how it works- You have an issue on anything with your own version of solution...yet you want validation, alternatives or simply seek an opinion. You use any of these media. People collaborate and unleash the power of accumulated wealth of knowledge.
Use of social learning can be seen in organizations, groups, think-tanks and any other conceivable platforms.
We started with how to harness the power of social learning in organizational L&D space?

• Form a group
• Ideate on key points of interests
• Members posts their opinions, seek opinions or simply start a discussion
• Networking effect sets in
• Group gets enriched with collective learning
• Becomes a part of organization knowledge repository

What are the distinctive benefits?

1. Power of many brains 
2. Ease and scalability of knowledge sharing
3. Convenience
4. Serve as a reference knowledge repository for the organization
5. Cost effective......among many others

Majority of the progressive organizations are today well placed to draw benefits of social learning. However, the enabler in this case also is the organizational culture and openness to try newer things and decision makers in L&D teams must appreciate the new technology and encourage the use.

Are you cozying up to Social Learning?