The Social learning is an informal learning technique supported by digital environments that can be exploited within businesses to transform the learning experience.
Most apprenticeships are informal
Training professionals generally speak of a learning model called” 70-20-10 ” which is the so-called “classical” model and from which we draw our lessons:
- 70% of our work experiences: learning “on the job”;
- 20% of interactions with colleagues and other professional partners: informal learning;
- 10% structured courses: more linear courses (MOOC, courses, video tutorials, etc.).
Thus, 90% of the knowledge acquired is acquired informally through social experiences and interactions, demonstrating whether the importance of the social dimension in learning is still necessary. This also ties in with the learning theory ofAlbert Bandura, a Canadian psychologist and professor emeritus of psychology at Stanford University known for his theory of social learning, who established that 20% of acquired skills are acquired through exchanges between colleagues. Therefore, collective effectiveness is also validated by this model.
As a result, more and more businesses are trying to take advantage of the model of Social learning in order to encourage employees to learn together and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills through informal learning.
The tools needed to promote informal learning
Social networks have democratized a large number of functionalities such as “likes”, comments, posts in “threads”, instant messengers, discussion groups, wikis, video conferences, etc.
These tools make it possible to build and animate virtual communities with a semi-structured approach in order to promote the spirit of collaboration. It is therefore necessary to put these tools and uses at the service of informal learning based on 4 strong principles:
- Engaging tools : propose tools allowing the involvement of learners and the development of their own experience instead of providing pre-existing content;
- Regularly updated content : the content must be constantly renewed by users within a collaborative space (wiki, software of content curation or internal blog);
- Collaborative supports : choose tools that facilitate interactive teamwork (with for example editing profiles, tutorials, FAQ, support, content qualification, feedback environment, badge and ranking systems, etc.);
- Sharing features : to be able to share content, but also to ensure that learners can share with each other on an internal discussion space for example.
Encourage informal learning on mobile
Social learning on mobile promotes exchanges between employees in an informal way, via groups formed on social networks or on a dedicated training application.
The benefits of extending the social learning experience on mobile are numerous:
- Sharing knowledge : the sharing of knowledge allows companies to remain agile and competitive and for employees to create a social learning dynamic;
- Encouraging employee engagement : social learning stimulates employee engagement and streamlines internal communication;
- Improving productivity : better engagement leads to greater retention, so employees see their productivity increase and new hires are integrated more quickly into the company.
As you will have understood, encouraging informal learning is only beneficial for your organization and for your learners!
