Why #9: Complements Learning

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WHY #9: Complements Learning

The next characteristic of social learning is that it is not supposed to be threatening to the training department.  Instead it is to complement the learning function.  Indirectly I have seen many people with a learning function be intimidated by social learning because it almost seems to threaten their jobs.  On the contrary, for the most part it will compliment and add value to the learning.  Sure, in some instances it might replace some training.  But over all it is not meant to do that.

When I say that it does not replace I want to be clear: It does not replace traditional learning for the most part, but it instead adds to it.  It DOES, however, replace – and absolutely MUST replace – less effective methods of informal learning.  This is KEY.

ILT has its place.  ELearning courses have their place.  Simulations have their place.  Social Learning adds to the existing toolbox.  But to do this we MUST change our skills sets to accommodate.  We can’t sit back and say, “This is they way we have done it.  There is no way you can learn on a blog (or through Twitter, or through a wiki).”  Because, to be blunt, you would be wrong if you did say that.  We must adapt or be left behind.

This is not a scare tactic, but rather an great opportunity for those that catch on the concept.  It is time to jump on the wave and ride it!

Tagged as: Twitter, Wiki