Social and Collaborative learning strategies

A Shift Towards Social and Collaborative Learning

It is exciting to see that some organizations are realizing the potential of using social and collaborative learning strategies for organizational development. For example, course completion increased 85% on a Harvard Business School online education initiative when it introduced these strategies. By implementing social and collaborative learning strategies into employee training and development programs,  forward-thinking organizations are fostering communities of engaged, motivated, prepared, and satisfied employees.

The Shifting Learning Environment

Although training solution technology is transforming, many organizations are failing to adapt to changing trends and still use traditional forms of delivery for their training programs. According to Jane Hart from the Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies, there are five evolutionary stages of workplace learning. These stages range from traditional to modern learning strategies, from formal to informal styles of learning, and from dictated to self-driven learning. Currently, learning professionals are making a big push towards social and collaborative learning (stages four and five).

Evolution towards social and collaborative learning

The 70/20/10 Model Helps Explain the Trend Shift

Are you familiar with the 70/20/10 model? This model gives us a breakdown of how individuals learn most effectively. It claims that 70% of learning should come from on-the-job experience, 20% from social interaction, and 10% from formal training.

When considering the 70/20/10 model, it makes sense that organizational training programs should be putting a greater emphasis on social and collaborative learning than on traditional learning styles.

What Does Social Learning Entail?

Simply put, social learning is learning with and from your peers, either digitally or in person. Social learning theory explains that learning is a mental process that takes place in a social context. Social platforms enable collaborative learning.

Collaborative learning occurs when learners work together to create collective meaning, explore a topic together or improve their skills. Individuals become active, self-driven learners, free to collaborate on their ideas, thoughts, and concerns on their own time.

What Would Social and Collaborative Learning Elements Look Like in an eLearning Program?
  • Newsfeed where individuals could share informal updates and react to each other’s posts.
  • Forums to discuss and digest learning as well as share opinions and ideas.
  • Messaging platform for direct messaging between learners or to contact instructors.
So, Why Should You Consider Social and Collaborative Learning strategies?
  • Helps build a community as well as a culture of continuous learning.
  • Increases learner’s motivation.
  • Stimulates learners to participate, increasing employee engagement.
  • Heightens critical thinking skills
  • Employees can collaborate and communicate over a variety of geographical locations, time zones, and electronic devices.
  • Learners are less likely to slip by before mastering the material because program leaders can answer questions when needed, as well as improve the program’s content and delivery along the way.
  • Promotes loyalty and retention by allowing employees to share their expertise with others.
  • Employees become contributors to the organization, creating a purpose-driven environment.

If you are interested in learning more about how social and collaborative learning can engage your employees and deliver measurable results, let us know! At Expectancy Learning, we make keeping up with the latest trends in training and development easy.

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