Myth #5: Social and workplace learning are the same as 70:20:10

• 2 min read

Are you embracing experiential workplace learning for 70:20:10, or just adding learning to work?

Yet another common misconception swirling around the 70:20:10 learning model is that companies can cherry pick a few experiential workplace learning components, and apply them to their informal and social learning strategies, either on or off the cloud LMS, and expect to see the same results had they adopted a fully-integrated 70:20:10 approach.

But as you’ll read in a recent report from Towards Maturity and Charles Jennings, this is only ‘doing’ one aspect of 70:20:10. This approach could be called adding learning to work. Some 70:20:10 solutions will alternatively involve embedding learning in work (such as performance support – job aids, checklists, wizards, search support etc.). Others will involve extracting and sharing learning (micro-blogging, working out loud, professional communities, storytelling, user-generated content, forums etc.)

The following excerpt from ‘70+20+10 = 100: The Evidence Behind the Numbers’ explains more:

Organizations that are applying 70:20:10 are using more technology to support every aspect of learning in comparison with those that are not. Technology is providing greater choice and flexibility, connecting learners within and beyond their peer group and providing the means to support ongoing performance in the workplace.

Amongst those applying 70:20:10 model, L&D professionals support workflow learning with a number of technology solutions:

  • 81% use enterprise-wide information services (60% for those not applying 70:20:10)
  • 78% use job aids/checklists (65%)
  • 45% use performance support tools (24%)
  • 36% use blogs (20%)

They are also more likely to have a single sign on process (55% vs 28%) to simplify access to learning at the point of need.
Those actively applying 70:20:10 models are using more social learning tools such as communities of practice, encouraging sharing of user generated content and are facilitating the use of social media for learning.

They are also using more formal tools and providing access to a wider range of online resources:

  • 73% use open education resources/digital materials that are free at the point of use – such as Wikipedia, or Open University resources (45% of those not applying 70:20:10)
  • 69% use information repositories or learning portals or other paid for services (35%)

They are also using more of a range of e-learning courses, videos, podcasts and online books. They are more likely to integrate their Learning Management System with other information systems and capitalise on the range of services that these systems can offer, such as learning analytics, integrated video libraries, links to competency and talent management and support for social and collaborative learning.

  • 28% use integrated video libraries (20%)
  • 33% link to competency and talent management (27%)
  • 25% support social and collaborative workplace learning (14%)

Download the new report from Towards Maturity and Charles Jennings to continue reading and get the real story behind several other common myths that surround the 70:20:10 learning model.