The rise of social technologies such as wikis, twitter, personal learning environments and ....., is beginning to really make an impact upon how people learn within organisations.
This 'new approach to learning is sometimes subtitled '2.0' as a contrast to the more 'traditional' structured elearning approaches. The first elearning courses were in many ways an extension of traditional 'classroom-based' approaches that were largely about a one-way transfer of knowledge.
In contrast newer learning approaches learning occurs in a relatively unstructured, largely learner-driven manner. It utilises a range of emerging social technologies to connect learners with both their 'subject matter' and other learners.
Learning Technologies
Somewhat of a moving target really! Below is a short overview of the ways I use new learning technologies. Over the next 6 months I'll add to this section with a further range of tools and summaries of them.
Twitter is one case in point, (see here for links to setting up and using Twitter - my Twitter link is here). Also try reading my blog article on "The Village of Twitter". On Twitter you can also establish and/or join online discussions. Each week I try to join the #lrnchat discussion. I find it a really good way to 'speak' with a range of learning professionals. Summaries of each week's #lrnchat are the posted on the web for those who couldn't 'attend'. I recommend it!
Social Networks come in many different shapes and sizes. There are the well-known Facebook, LinkedIn and Myspace along with a host of others. One approach that has applications for learning is through sites such as Ning. Sites such as this can allow lanyone to establish their own social learning network. A great example is the learntrends site. On this site you will find regularly updated information on topics related to learning. You can join discussions with other learning professionals. You can establish new networks.
As for Personal Learning Spaces, this website, michaeleury.com is my personal learning space. In it I have placed links and references to pretty much all I have read and currently read. If you'd like to learn more on Personal Learning Spaces I'd recommend you try this site (I'm spending some time there now to learn more).