“We always learn alone but never without others” (Learning Stance: Towards a New Relationship with Knowledge, Dunod — 2005)
This quote from Professor Philippe Carré is very representative of this digital revolution which is not only technological but also human. Social learning is a component of these new forms of learning such as e-learning, MOOCs, mobile learning, micro-learning, etc. which allow people to learn, share and capitalise on knowledge remotely, whenever they want, and regardless of the medium.
What is social learning?
Social learning is nothing more or less than collaborative learning. Indeed, it is based on informal learning theories allowing a learner to consolidate knowledge acquired through formal learning by sharing it, correcting other learners, discussing with peers, etc. In concrete terms, this materialises in different ways:
- Corporate social network
- Knowledge exchange on a Cloud
- Collaborative idea-sharing applications
To recall the 70-20-10 concept, it has been proven that a language is notably learned 20% through social interactions. According to Eldon Ekwall, so-called “classic” e-learning tools allow a 50% retention rate. Social learning, on the other hand, allows up to 95% retention.
At the heart of e-learning (see article on the subject), social learning holds an important place because it highlights the exchange and sharing of one’s knowledge and skills. Participating in one’s own learning, collaborating with peers and language coaches creates genuine emulation.
A collaborative learning method
Learning a foreign language in total online immersion, with numerous exchanges between learners, brings an additional and essential dimension to a more lively but above all more effective individual learning experience. These informal learning practices, combined with different tools, allow for the enrichment of knowledge. The sole holder of knowledge fades away in favour of an exchange of knowledge between people. This does not mean that the teacher disappears: they are complementary to social learning, guide learners when deemed necessary and share, orally, their professional expertise with all learners, in the form of conferences, debates or specialised documents.
It is the interactivity of social learning that makes it so powerful and that makes everyone both a learner and a trainer at the same time. It values knowledge and encourages everyone to feel useful within a group.
The employees of a company, called peers, can, depending on the circumstances, take on the following roles:
- Learning partner
- Community manager
- Mentor
- Expert
Whatever role they take on, they will therefore be both resources and beneficiaries of social learning.
2.0 tools in social learning
Within a company, blogs, internal social networks, intranet and other 2.0 tools facilitate these exchanges of knowledge. Creating a genuine collaborative and participative breeding ground generates non-competitive but high-performing emulation, beneficial to the company.
For language learning in a professional environment, this can be concretely illustrated by professional communities, allowing participants to develop their English skills as close as possible to their professional activity, under the watchful eye of a language coach.
By taking up the recognised principles of social exchanges, it is possible to appreciate, comment on or share relevant content with an entire community, thus fostering discussion, debate and exchange. Thus, the learner will put into practice the concepts studied in other modules and test them with their peers.
E-learning incorporating effective tools such as social learning, e-clil or micro-learning will soon provide a global solution for successful language training.
