Learning practices are constantly evolving. The Social Learning is presented as a modernized concept of training in line with widespread digitalization. It also turns out that there is a close link between social learning and Gamification. What is the situation really?
Focus on Social Learning
Social Learning is a way of learning based on sharing and exchanges between colleagues, associates, members of the same group, etc. Learning takes place through collaborative tools, mainly via social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin...) for more efficiency. Each learner can express their opinion and capitalize on their knowledge from various topics.. The principle of Social Learning is therefore the acquisition of new knowledge at a distance through interaction with other learners. Of learning communities virtual ones are built thanks to the functionalities offered by social networks. These communities serve as channels through which members will be able to exchange documentation and information concerning a specific theme. This is how virtual classrooms, some platforms, were formed LMS and other discussion groups that focus on Social Learning. In order to harmonize and formalize collaborative distance learning via discussion communities, the following steps should be respected:
- Choosing a mentor or a community manager to animate the community: he is often the one who created the community and who manages the registration of all members;
- Choose the topics or the themes to be developed;
- Determine a rhythm, that is to say A schedule, so that each member can be available at the same time;
- Have a defined volume, that is to say a maximum number of learners in each community or around a subject.
The benefits of Social Learning
Studies have shown that a third of knowledge comes through informal interactions through social interactions. Social Learning is therefore an important source of learning and exchanges of experience.. The existence of discussion forums has greatly facilitated this way of learning. The main benefits of Social Learning are:
- The development of skills through the experiences and knowledge of others, which promotes synchronized progress ;
- The benefit for the learner of a personal learning environment in direct connection with his profession, his projects or his private life;
- The specialization of groups or communities that differentiate them from others: new members can therefore turn to the specific group that corresponds to their real needs;
- A better structuring databases ;
- The diversification sources of knowledge.
Social Learning within a company
Social Learning appeals to companies looking to motivate employees in training programs. This system makes it possible to facilitate exchanges and, therefore, to imbue these collaborators with new knowledge. It is also an effective way to vary training options. To integrate Social Learning within a company, gamification is the ideal approach.
In fact, The latter is an infallible way to stimulate group cohesion, and at the same time exchanges between work colleagues. These exchanges provide valuable information useful for the development of the company. Gamification through Social Learning takes the form of, for example, ranking tables that arouse a sense of challenge among employees - no need for equipment vr (unless you want to). Learners will be more motivated to take training modules and everyone will be rewarded for their efforts.
The benefits of gamification in business
Gamification makes it possible to monitor the evolution of performance employees within a company. It can take various forms: points, badges, levels, levels, progress bars, rankings, rewards, etc. Gamification, an advantage for training as soon as it is well conducted, is a small revolution compared to classical training.
It exists different forms of gamification, which involve awarding points and unlocking levels for each success or for each achievement of the objectives. Here are the good reasons that can encourage a company to integrate Social Learning into gamification:
- Social Learning is more fun, hence the concept of gamification: according to a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, people who consider their profession to be a game are more successful. They are more creative and take on challenges better.
- Social Learning interactions associated with the motivational principles of gamification can only be beneficial in the development of activities.
- Employees are more motivated by learning, which creates a favourable moment for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, which is more convivial than in a formal setting.
Learners are more likely to assimilate knowledge and Countering the forgetting curve thanks to games that require real involvement.
