In today's fast-paced learning environment, not only customised E-learning becomes more and more popular, microlearning has become a crucial strategy. It involves breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible pieces that learners can complete at their own pace. However, sometimes this approach requires more collaboration and depth to maximize the learning outcome.
In contrast, social learning involves observing, imitating, and interacting with others to deepen understanding and engagement. It also facilitates the practical application of knowledge.
Despite seeming like opposite strategies, the rise of powerful digital communication platforms and LMS can bring them together for a well-designed learning experience.
Six Social Learning Activities grow well with microlearning :
1. Peer Review:
Motivating learners to share their opinions, ideas, and reflections regarding the micro-learning material can be highly beneficial. Equally important is providing feedback to their peers. The exchange of thoughts can enhance understanding and establish a sense of camaraderie within the group. Using Team channels and discussion boards can be utilized. With these tools, learners can effectively accomplish their learning goals.
Utilizing social media platforms can significantly enhance the learning experience. These platforms provide an enjoyable, interactive environment where learners can communicate and exchange ideas. Learners can engage in discussions and gain new insights by sharing informative videos, infographics, or articles.
3. Promote Collaborative Projects:
Pairing microlearning with group tasks or projects can enhance the learning experience. Such tasks may include problem-solving, case studies, or real-world simulations. Collaborative work fosters active discussions, feedback sharing, and mutual learning, promoting a social aspect of the microlearning program.
4. Incorporate Gamification:
Incorporating Gamification into learning can foster social interaction among learners, promoting healthy competition and collaboration. Learners are motivated to engage with the content and their peers by using leaderboards, badges, or points.
5. Leverage Online Learning Communities:
Learners need to be able to navigate the microlearning content. It is vital to have an intuitive catalogue that makes it easy for users to access and use. Creating dedicated learning communities where learners can interact, ask questions, and share resources can also be beneficial. These communities can be hosted on a company's intranet, a learning management system (LMS), or social media platforms. They allow learners to engage with the microlearning content in a social setting and to seek support if they are uncertain or struggling with specific content.
6. Incorporate Mentorship and Coaching:
Having a mentor or coach during the learning process can be highly beneficial. They can provide guidance, feedback, and support that help deepen the understanding of micro-learning content. Additionally, they may offer unique insights beyond the core information microlearning provides. For example, an experienced staff member could demonstrate steps and give tips to new hires, which could prove particularly useful.
Focusing on the learners should be the top priority when designing a learning experience.
Incorporating social learning into microlearning has the potential to enhance the overall experience, making it more engaging and informative. This approach allows learners to gain a deeper understanding of the content and learn from one another. By leveraging the benefits of social interaction, we can improve the effectiveness of microlearning, resulting in a more collaborative and comprehensive learning journey.
As learners become more comfortable with a learning culture, they open the doors for talent development to take centre stage, allowing learning and development to focus on unleashing potential instead of constant training non-stop.
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