Workplace Learning

After reading Jane Hart's blog, http://www.janeknight.typepad.com/, I am very impressed with the site, and especially the workplace application presentation made. She has shown how social media can be used and what it will do. By taking each application presented and dabbling with it, the user can answer a few evaluative questions.

• How does this work?
• Does it have a professional application or a business application for me?
• Can I share its use with others in my area?

Jane states that in order to truly understand how to use social media, a person must use it and then find its selling points, if you will, so that its benefits can then gain buy in from others. Coming from the perspective of a newbie, I can understand how some would expect to receive an hour presentation and be able to walk away with clear understanding on how social media works. However, from the perspective of an adult learner, I can say appreciation of the media is in its usage. And that most of the time usage is simple.

If we use the media with ease, we can also help others to do the same. By doing this, we are actually building our workforce. This would be a perfect opportunity for an unmeeting. We could take a select group of folk to a room, introduce one of the media and then say, 'You have one hour to experiment and play with this application. We will meet back at the end of the hour to discuss your experiences and comments. Have fun and see you later!' Sure, some will be frustrated and we can work with them, but I think most will come back with favorable comments to share.

The point is to take your time, think about what you are doing and then determine how social media can be used to your advantage. If you can think of an advantage for yourself, you will be able to think of them for others.