Building on the concept of communities of practice , Etienne Wenger (2009) has proposed a social theory of learning. The focus of this theory is “learning as social participation,” in which learners actively participate in the practices of social communities and construct personal identities in relation to these communities. As instructional designers, we’re aware of various theories about how and why people learn. Connectivism and Social Learning. MORE

Instructional designers and eLearning managers can learn something from Cammy Bean’s book. Cammy’s message fit well with the theme of her new book, The Accidental Instructional Designer: Learning Design for the Digital Age , which is an important read for both managers and instructional designers alike. The accidental aspect of our careers is symbolic of the life-long learning journey most adults should ready themselves for. MORE

link] December 2, 2009 Security and Defence Learning : International Forum on Technology Assisted Learning and Training for Defence, Security and Emergency Services, 5 th , Hotel InterContinental Berlin, Berlin, Germany. link] December 2-4, 2009 Online Educa Berlin International Conference on Technology Supported Learning and Training, 15 th , Hotel InterContinental, Berlin, Germany. link] January 12-14, 2010 Learning and Technology World Forum 2010, London, United Kingdom. MORE

Twitter for Learning – 55 Great Articles - eLearning Technology , March 24, 2010. 10 Ways To Learn In 2010 - The eLearning Coach , January 3, 2010. Social Learning Strategies Checklist - Social Enterprise Blog , January 11, 2010. Four roles for social media in workplace learning - Clive on Learning , September 28, 2010. Performance Learning Productivity , May 28, 2010. Taxonomy of Learning Theories - E-Learning Provocateur , January 12, 2010. MORE

WELCOME TO EPISODE 24 OF THE TALENTED LEARNING SHOW! To learn more about this podcast series or to see the full collection of episodes visit The Talented Learning Show main page. EPISODE 24 – TOPIC SUMMARY AND GUEST: Have you given up on finding a formula for adult learning success? For years, learning strategists and software innovators have been chasing this holy grail. We call this the HILL Model (short for High-Impact Learning that Lasts ). MORE

Learner autonomy can enhance a learning strategy and act as a driver of learner engagement. With an autonomous learning approach , autonomous learners are often better prepared for their job function and life in general. Motivation to learn is an intrinsic value, with a personal payoff. MORE

Distance education programs did get their start relying on mail correspondence and still do today, for example, in rural Alaska and Australia. The flexibility of accessing an entire course from a small and lightweight wireless device makes mobile learning the current education frontier. It is a very exciting time for online course developers as upgrades, new devices, new software, apps, and WiFi hotspots can now break course design out the legacy learning management system box. MORE