The way of human learning approaches are constantly changing. One of the newest models is social learning . It is estimated that roughly 76% of organizations worldwide intend to explore social learning in the future. The tools with which these organizations will administer such a model are just as unique as the idea itself.
What it Involves
It involves social media, but that is far from the only tool used. Blogs, Webinars, Podcasts, Mind Maps, Discussion forums, Instant messaging applications and RSS Feeds all provide a wide variety of knowledge from which individuals and organizations can learn. This paradigm dramatically impacts traditional learning and causes some to be overwhelmed by new technology.
Benefits:
There are three significant benefits of this new learner psychology :
- Better engagement and motivation for learners.
- Ability to acquire skills faster.
- Higher retention of knowledge.
- Opportunities to nurture talent in the right direction.
Engaging employees is the only way to educate them. Their attention is paramount to the educational process. Higher retention of knowledge is also significant, given that traditional instructor-led course work, no longer provides high retention rates. Nurturing your talent is also important, as that is the only way organizations can succeed.
Obviously, social learning has the power to transform organizations that are willing to implement its effective strategies.
Why It Works
When employees are led by both their superiors and teammates, the quality of education improves and the results are far better than when left to course work alone.
Learner psychology shows that close contact, imitation of superiors, concept understanding and role model behavior, support a healthy learning environment. When employees learn in a group, setting their motivation to grasp concepts is far greater than when they learn individually.
Another important aspect is that of the millennial workforce. With more employees familiar with the concept of ‘social learning’, implementation is much easier. The current workforce is highly motivated by social media and understands how to effectively use technology to their benefit. In reality, organizations must change the way they educate their employees if they want the best results. Millennials learn differently than previous generations, and have higher standards for their education, and so should the companies they work for.
Does it really impacts learners retention
Learning through social enterprise tools, enables effective knowledge sharing, easy discussions and collective negotiations which result in enhancing the levels of workforce engagement. The benefits like vast scope of learning among many learners at a single point of time, reinforcing the performance of both the individual and the organisation truly retain the learner’s attention and keep them focussed of the learning curve, besides greater @work knowledge construction and application that affects the bottom line results.
The Future of Learning is Clear
As rapid technological advancements are greatly impacting the millennial generation, which in turn are transforming the Learning strategies, organisations must set the stage for social learning to stay abreast with times and reap benefits.
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