Using social media for workplace learning

Social learning is natural, effective and something we all do every day with or without technology. The question for the learning and development profession is how to make it work effectively in an organisation, without spreading bad practice and without alarming the leadership.

"As circumstances vary so widely between organisations there is no simple answer, instead we can learn through examples of social media at work and looking at what is already working. That's what Jane Bozarth brings and her presentation is a 'must attend session' for forward-thinking L&D professionals," said Learning Technologies 2011 Conference Chair, Donald Taylor.

Effective use of social media technologies can help enhance and extend workplace training and learning. With much of the current talk on social media and social learning occurring at the 50,000 foot level, how about a practical approach? Jane Bozarth's session takes a 100-foot view of concrete, specific uses for using social media tools to enhance and extend existing training programmes. While it primarily addresses the use of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, and wikis (and private, alternatives), Jane's emphasis is on recognising any new social media tool at their root purpose rather than at face value and her session at Learning Technologies 2011 in January will:

• examine the needs of the trainer and the wants of the learner;
• look at ways social media tools can replicate traditional training activities;
• explore ideas for delivering learning experiences now made possible by new technologies;
• view real - and surprising - application of tools such as blogs, Facebook and YouTube;
• identify strategies for getting into the spaces between formal training events.

The Learning Technologies 2011 conference takes place on 26-27 January 2011 at London Olympia 2. Learning Technologies conference programme and bookings.

About Jane Bozarth

E-learning co-ordinator, North Carolina State Government

Jane Bozarth is an internationally known trainer, speaker, and author. A training practitioner since 1989, Jane holds an M.Ed. in Training and Development and a doctorate in Adult Education. She is the author of several books: Pfeiffer's E-Learning Solutions on A Shoestring; Better Than Bullet Points; From Analysis to Evaluation; and, with Jim Kouzes & Barry Posner, The Challenge Continues workshop package. Jane Bozarth's new book, Social Media for Trainers, offers concrete ideas for using social media tools to enhance and extend workplace training efforts.

About Learning Technologies 2011, 26 and 27 January 2011, Olympia 2, London

The Learning Technologies Exhibition and Conference is Europe's leading showcase of the technology used for learning at work and provides a wealth of content from the leading exhibitors in the field and a free seminar programme running in five theatres in the exhibition hall. The conference, running alongside the exhibition has expert sessions on learning technology, strategy and the issues facing L&D from some of the leading learning thinkers and visionaries in the industry.

Visiting Learning Technologies 2011
Conference: programme and bookings
Follow Learning Technologies on Twitter
Learning Technologies Facebook event page
www.learningtechnologies.co.uk

#LT11UK

About Learning and Skills 2011, 26 and 27 January 2011, Olympia 2, London
Learning and Skills 2011 is co-located with the Learning Technologies Exhibition and Conference. The Learning and Skills exhibition showcases the entire spectrum of methods, products and services for workplace learning with a focus on people development, learning and performance, learning resources and HR systems and services and is built around a multi-streamed programme of free seminars in four theatres on the exhibition floor.

Visiting Learning and Skills 2011
Conference: programme and bookings
Follow Learning and Skills on Twitter
Learning and Skills Facebook event page
www.learningandskillsevents.com

#LAS11UK

The combination of Learning Technologies and Learning and Skills provides access to more than 200 exhibitors and over 120 free-of-charge seminars and is the must attend event for all learning and development professionals.