What is Social Networking? Let Common Craft Explain: Advance to next slide to view video located at: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v =6a_KF7TYKVc

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Faculty survey data suggests informally structured learning

Workplace learning models run along a continuum. Formal Training Events Communities of Practice/ Learning Communities Informal Learning

A faculty learning community is a formalized collaboration Defined Membership Defined Purpose Defined Duration Defined Output “ a continuous process of learning and reflection, supported by colleagues, with an intention of getting things done” (McGill, I., & Beaty, L. (2001). Action learning . (2nd Ed. Revised). Sterling, VA: Stylus. )

Defined Membership

Defined Purpose

Defined Duration

Defined Output

“ a continuous process of learning and reflection, supported by colleagues, with an intention of getting things done”

(McGill, I., & Beaty, L. (2001). Action learning . (2nd Ed. Revised). Sterling, VA: Stylus. )

Informal learning is how most professional learning happens “ Informal learning is the unofficial, unscheduled, impromptu way most people learn to do their jobs.” -- Jay Cross, http://informl.com/2006/05/20/what-is-informal-learning/

Informal learning is how most professional learning happens “ Conversations are the stem cells of learning, for they both create and transmit knowledge. Open conversation increases innovation. People love to talk. Bringing them together brings excitement.” -- Jay Cross

Informal learning is user directed, and lower cost

But can you formalize informal learning? Work Learning

Social Networking technology can encourage and maximize informal learning

Social networking for learning $ Can an a social network support inquiry and ideas instead of relationships and careers?

$

Joe the teacher has ideas and questions. But he is boxed in by his schedule. He can’t interact like he wants to.

Joe joins a online learning community with others who have ideas and questions.

Joe searches and finds Jane who writes about what is on her mind. Ideas, reflections, musings, experiences, rants, raves, influences

Joe engages her ideas and writes his own. They have a public conversation. Ideas, reflections, musings, experiences, rants, raves, influences Ideas, reflections, musings, experiences, rants, raves, influences

The entire network does likewise. Their community is knowledge-rich.

Some members form interest groups to focus the conversation. They are still connected to the entire network and vice versa. Interest Group

Learning through social networking requires: Openness and sharing Constructive dialogue Transparency Participate anytime anywhere Prompts

Openness and sharing

Constructive dialogue

Transparency

Participate anytime anywhere

Prompts