How Social Networks and Social Media Create and Support a Learning Organization Essay

A Learning Organization is a culture that nurtures development. As such, processes encourage fundamental interaction. The entire infrastructure is one that prioritizes interaction that facilities erudition. Creativity and problem solving techniques are inherent in learning organization and the appropriate skills and motivation are available for the learning organization to deform (Background Information, Module 3). When we consider social networks and social media, we can be left wondering if communication can truly be at the optimal take aim through social networks and social media.The reality is that technology and the communication that is embedded in it is growing exponentially. The concept of social learning has roots in a social constructivist approach, where learning is a self-directed, problem-based, and collaborative process (Bang and Dalsgaard, 2006). Through involvement in activities, learners must attempt to solve a problem according to their consume process. Now, th is may seem simple if learners were physically amongst each early(a) to share the processes. However, the social networks and social media do allow for a very supporting learning environment.One thing that should be understood is that although there is a plethora of technological resources available, individuals must be able to tap into these resources in order to choose occasion of social networks and social media to then, support a learning environment. Resources are information assets media, people, places, or ideas. However, such resources are not learning materials until learners actively use them (Hannafin, Land, and Oliver 1999, p. 119). The internet, as a technological platform is a prime example of collaboration at its best.In his Techlearning blog of March 5, 2008, Steve Hargadon identified trends spurred on by the two-way nature of the Internet. These are trends that have significant impact on learning and education. According to Hargadon, there is a new publishing rev olution arising from a shift in means creation for the Internet. At first, the Internet was a one-directional presentation medium where users received and read passively. Now the Internet is becoming an interactional platform, also known as Web 2. 0, based on contribution and collaboration.Blogs, wikis, file sharing, social networking, and other forms are revolutionizing how we create online content. In his blog entry, Hargadon discussed how he replies to questions that people ask about content overload. His response reflects how social networking and social learning flow into one another naturally, as social constructivism suggests they will. He said, It is in the act of our becoming a creator that our relationship with content changes, and we become more(prenominal) engaged and more capable at the same time. In other words, by participating we learn to become.Touro University boasts the Threaded Discussion Forum, which allows at ones fingertips the ability to decease in the c onvenience of ones own time and place, as well as the response of back and forth communication of their classmates and professors. Students can then blog or communicate through other platforms like Skype. close the only missing ingredient in all of the communication assemblages technology has to offer is the personal face to face where we are physically there to communicate with one another. One can argue that such spatial communication really do not add anything unique to what can be facilitated virtually. another(prenominal) companies are likewise making strides in this direction. Microsoft offers its Office-based sharing technology, SharePoint. IBM implemented the use of blogs (26,000 registered), wikis (100,000 users), social bookmarking (DogEar), and social networking tools in their organization. IBM even owns 50 islands on Second vitality for use in orientations, classes, and meetings Change is inevitable. We see that technology continues to evolve, along with how people co nnect and contribute to the creation of content within virtual communities.We either adapt, or fall behind. In his January, 2008 paper, David Wilkins explores the importance of supporting social networks in the workplace, or Workplace Communities. Wilkins reviews social learning on the job in terms of improving employee development, performance, and growth, as well as its effect on workplace innovation. Wilkins shows a number of ways in which workplace communities support employee development, performance, and growth. They provide a weapon for apprenticeship models, connecting less-skilled workers with their more experienced colleagues through social networking technologies.Communities can add an Ask an Expert feature to their network, to make it possible to leverage the expertise of individuals or groups. This forum echoes the Touro experience as professors respond to our Threaded Discussions, never in an evaluative manner, but in a way in which a professional and genial dialog ue is encouraged. Communities foster ownership of learning, according to Wilkins. The social flavor of communities can facilitate the meeting of content consumers with content producers through social networking.This social aspect of content provides an avenue for additional social networking and mentoring opportunities, and further empowers the workforce by providing opportunities for them the consumers to contribute, resulting in significant increases in the volume of content. This has the dual benefit of helping with two retention and productivity, while also moving the organization toward a deeper, more ingrained use of learning and knowledge. (Wilkins, p. 6) Communities allow for the generation of a range of content types that appeal to different learning styles, levels, and objectives.Online resources include blogs and wikis, audio, and video. They may also include traditional learning courses and materials, and typical Office documents. Through sharing information, the wor kplace union provides access to immediate, relevant, and appropriate content suited to the needs of the individual. An extension of traditional training and development modes, communities offer a fluid way to support employee performance development and efficiency. Success requires free flow of ideas, and support by stakeholders, for communication between networks.It takes time to establish these conditions, and a carefully thought-out plan is essential. Indeed, a learning organization can thrive with the utilization of social networks and social media. These are convenient for everyone and are conducted in ways that are perhaps even more powerful, productive, positive, and as simple than face to face platforms. Certainly, the convenience and quality I have received within the on-line learning organization is top-notch, and great enough for me to dismiss any idea of traditional places of learning. Without the technology, individuals will truly be left behind as the technological r ace pushes forward.Referencehttp//www.ibm.com/blogs/zz/en/guidelines.html