Top tips for using social media for learning and development

Published by Skills for Justice

Top tips for using social media for learning and development

Here are our top suggestions of how social media could help you to enhance the learning experience.

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other social networking sites have become a major part of how we communicate today. But how can they help learning and development professionals progress both their own learning as well as that of their team?

Social media has already transformed the way we communicate online, and it has shown signs of being used in learning and development – so much so, that in 2015 LinkedIn decided to purchase online learning provider Lynda.com for $1.5 billion.

1. Keep an eye on what your peers are posting

Social media is a goldmine of skilled professionals and experts who can help you expand your knowledge and skills. It’s like having access to think tanks and workshops all the time – although be mindful of information overload.

One of the main advantages of social media is that it creates virtual communities where you can interact with people in similar roles and ask them questions and advice. Find people and organisations to follow that will give you a different perspective from the norm.

2. Learn from video content

Pictures and videos can be a lot more engaging than written instruction manuals and wordy legal documents. Sites such as YouTube and Vimeo are well-suited for explaining complex subjects in a way that can be quick and easy to understand.

As well as directing your learners to videos, you can learn from them yourself. Perhaps there’s a new piece of legislation you can’t get your head around – there’s almost certainly a video explaining it in simple terms.

3. Use it to identify new trends

Social media is a great tool for keeping up to date with the latest industry news and learning trends.

Good L&D professionals are constantly on the lookout for change, whether that’s developments in learning technology, health and safety law or theory best practice. This means you can stay ahead of the game and implement change quickly if and when it’s needed.

Social media is an effective way to keep your own skills sharp and follow those at the forefront of your industry for very little cost.

4. Get round-the-clock learning support

You can’t be expected to be on call 24 hours a day (although it often seems like it), but a member of your team may need an answer to a question when you’re not in the office or contactable by phone. Social media enables them to research topics and ask for help from their network whenever, wherever.

5. See how others create a buzz about a training event

Before a training session even begins, many organisations will build interest in it by posting related content on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Course instructors will introduce themselves, then invite ideas and opinions on the topics to be covered.

See what others are doing to get learners excited about an event and help to ensure a full turnout.

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