I'm debating the value of forum / group / threaded discussion software vs. social network software for a particular situation. Social Network Examples are Ning and KickApps. They form a network of people via interactions, groups, etc. Being a network, they generally are a little harder for people to understand. However, they typically try to give a better sense of the person and make interactions more social. Some thoughts I have about why we might adopt threaded discussions / forum software vs. adopting a social network solution. MORE >>

I'm placing it here as a matter of record and to note that social networking tools are clearly important to accelerating the (effective) learning process. We are social animals by nature, so any technology that allows us to connect more efficiently and effectively with others will flourish I wrote this article back in November for Learning Technologies magazine. MORE >>

I write this as I travel to Birmingham to participate in a panel discussion with Nick Shackleton-Jones and Robin Hoyle on the role of social media in learning. There is no question whatsoever that social media is transforming our personal and business lives. Whether or not l&d professionals or senior managers embrace social media doesn't really matter in the long run, because there is no turning back, only futile resistance. Tags: social networking Anyway, this post provides me with an opportunity to clarify my thoughts in preparation for the discussion. MORE >>

This week we looked at Social Networks. Here are some thoughts on this topic, especially thoughts around social networks for learning. Starting with Social Networking was a blessing and a curse. Social networks have a tendency to be a bit messy. Virginia Yonkers told us - I would like to know how to manage the information flows in social networks. How do we do this in the social network environment? Maybe this is partly design, but it's also how conversation, content spread across social networks. MORE >>

The recent arrival of a new social network in the form of Google+ has given cause for reflection from some long-serving social media users and advocates. Cammy Bean describes how she has been Taking a TechFast to relieve her symptoms of SoMeFat (social media fatigue), which has been "heightened now with the additional disorder of Multiple Social Network Disorder (Facebook, Twitter, and now Google+ to keep up with!)." Beyond that, however, social media is getting credit for things it’s merely flowing, not actually creating. It builds audiences. MORE >>