What exactly is Social Learning? As an instructor or learner in today’s digital age, you’re most likely already using some aspect of social learning.
According to the definition: Social learning theory is a theory of learning and social behavior which proposes that new behaviors can be acquired by observing and imitating others.
Basically, bringing in any “human connection” into digital learning is creating a social learning environment.
Learners can work together and eliminate the feelings of loneliness, which leads to poor comprehension, high drop-out rates, and benefit from more collaboration because it allows them to help one another, share ideas, get immediate feedback and consult their instructor from right inside the lessons and courses. Want to know how can you apply social learning effectively in your digital learning? Here are some ways to start getting more social today.
Webinars
Videos are so valuable in social learning. Just think about having to sit through course after course by yourself. It makes you a little anxious, right? Instructors can break-up the mundane by scheduling webinars, or offer live video mentoring like with T2K Echo. By hosting webinars or presentations you can cover specific topics and allow instructors to receive valuable feedback, plus give learners a chance to get to know each other by conducting a live webinar and/or Q&A comment section. It’s a win-win.
Micro-learning
Micro-learning is essentially short bursts of learning that are repeated in intervals of time. For more on micro-learning check out or blog entitled Why Moblie is key in corporate training. Micro-learning allows learning in small chunks to keep up with the fast-paced work environments and this can also make it easier to be shared with colleagues, or fellow students.
A way of incorporating micro-learning into a social learning environment could be to get a group to complete different sections of micro-learning content, then swap and discuss feedback after completing all sections.
Gamification
Now that gamification is integrated into digital content why not take the next step and make it geared towards group-based games? If there are solo games already in place, make a friendly competition between learners to see who can rack up the most rewards. Gamify your learning content with points, leaderboards or engagement rewards for a fun experience!
Collaboration
Collaboration helps learners expand their understanding and enables innovation and value creation. Support learners to intuitively communicate, share and collaborate one-on-one and in teams. The more they can chat to share knowledge the better they will learn! T2K Echo is making social learning easier than ever for learners to communicate their needs, learn from others, or gain their instructors’ full support. Learners can ask, follow, and review questions in the discussion tabs with fellow learners and their instructors.
Instructors can send direct messages to a learner or a group of learners, review and continue the conversation all in the messaging tab. Instructors can give personal attention to their learners, right when they really need help. Keep track and respond to every question with ease or check-in with anyone that falls behind.
Social Media
Learners are already accustomed to using social media platforms to keep in touch. So why not use them in your organizations to increase the social and engagement factor? You could get teams of employees to create dedicated social media groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, and assign them to activities. There are lots of reasons why social learning works. For more on why read Time to Know’s other blog entitled Complete Guide to Distance Learning.
