1. Key Points from “The New Blended Learning”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Old blending learning, while effective, blends different versions of the same paradigm
Social and informal learning models enable blending of different learning paradigms
Social and informal learning models plug holes in top-down approaches
Key difference for learning professionals is transition from being a pipe to a plumber
KEY ARGUMENTS AND LOGIC
“Traditional” versions of blended learning are variations on a theme
Social and informal approaches provide more flexibility in design and an expanded scope
and vision around possible solutions
Understanding strategy of social approaches is far more important than technology
o Social technologies can be applied to a variety of use cases
o Even well understood social tech like blogs or discussions can serve multiple
objectives depending on implementation and use
o Nearly every learning challenge is unique and requires a different blend
o All audiences and topics are unique and require a different blend
Common learning practices where blended can be very effective include:
o Leadership Development
o Onboarding
o Initiatives and Rollouts
o Compliance and Certification
o Extended Enterprise
KEY STRATEGIES FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
“Fill in the gaps” between episodic training sessions with social and informal
Use blogs as a communication mechanism and conversation starter / refresher
Enable leaders to network, connect, and share stories to deepen ties
Foster a culture of collaboration and sharing to support leadership evolution
KEY STRATEGIES FOR ONBOARDING
Connect newbies to “old salts” and broader team to create stickiness and reduce quits
Provide a strong network of informal assets for “time of need” learning
Increase engagement by valuing and capturing what new hires know and make it findable
KEY STRATEGIES FOR ROLLOUT AND INITIATIVES
Plan for post rollout with supporting social infrastructure – discussions, blogs, wikis, FAQ
Capture emerging best practices, common challenges and suggestions
Communicate via blogs and forums regarding changes and updates
Roll changes and updates into new formal communication, policy, and training
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2. KEY STRATEGIES FOR COMPLIANCE AND CERTIFICATION
Tread carefully when enabling social for compliance
Social may in fact be used to channel conversation and question to experts
Consider badging models to identify experts in the forum and official answers
Don’t underestimate the value of social proof around compliance
Certifications = community of practice possibilities
Certifications are usually topical and tied to job role, thus certifications provide an
opportunity to tap into community of practice models or even act as the kernel
KEY STRATEGIES FOR EXTENDED ENTERPRISE
Extended enterprise models are typically a blend of learning, marketing, and sales
objectives
Recognize that key issues in this domain often involve communities of practice,
identification of evangelists, and promotion of known brand advocates
Communities of practice are the most common approach, typically supported by badging
and social economics models to drive behavior
Don’t underestimate the value of courses and formal content as this is often a key
success criteria for these communities
Content of all kinds can serve as a hub around which conversations and networks form;
this content can be courses, but also video and simple file formats as well
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
Invest in your own skills and knowledge
o Read some social media books – Long Tail, Wisdom of Crowds, Six Degrees…
o Do some social stuff – write a blog, join a Twitter chat, post a video, LinkedIn
groups
Start slow; you already have some social opportunities staring you in the face
o Classroom? Mini community of practice
o Course? Central content hub around which you can drive conversation
o Virtual classroom? Shared event and conversation starter
Leverage your strengths; you are uniquely qualified to drive key discussions
o Instructional design skills? Everyone needs them now.
o Trust and self-efficacy to build communities? You do it every day in the
classroom.
o Facilitation and group discussion? You do it every day in the classroom.
o Visual and aural communication skills? Multiple years experience with WBT.
o Badging and rewards? Apply your emerging gamification skills.
Partner with IT and Marketing
o Leverage existing social and informal infrastructures
o RSS feeds? Embedding? Links to discussion forums?
o You probably have more assets than you realize
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