Moment-Of-Need, Microlearning, And Peer-To-Peer
As a Learning and Development leader, you and your team can leverage social media to curate various types of learning for your organization, including moment-of-need how-to videos, microlearning, as well as peer-to-peer learning, and community building. As a caveat, all social media bear biases and limitations, so as a Learning and Development leader, you will need to evaluate each one before deploying it to your organization. Below are some examples, not endorsements, of social media to explore in order to curate engaging learning and boost eLearning experiences.
3 Ways Social Media Can Facilitate eLearning
Moment-Of-Need, How-To Videos
One of the most foundational types of learning is learning in the moment of need and on the job, whereby the learner has five minutes or less to learn how to do a particular function so that they can complete their task. YouTube and TikTok are two examples of social media that offer learning at the moment of need.
YouTube is a video-sharing platform that provides access to a vast collection of moment-of-need, how-to videos. YouTube is perhaps the most popular platform for how-to tutorials and do-it-yourself (DIY) videos. It offers a vast collection of educational content that covers a wide range of topics, from learning a new language and how to play the guitar to changing the filters in your air conditioner and building a robot. Many creators have turned their YouTube channels into thriving businesses by providing viewers with high-quality, informative, and entertaining content. YouTube's search functionality and related video algorithm make it easy for users to find the content they are looking for. For instance, if you search for "DIY furniture," YouTube will show you a list of relevant videos based on popularity, relevance, and keywords. In addition, YouTube's video player supports a range of formats, including high-definition and 4K, making it easy to view videos in high quality. The platform also offers a comment section where viewers can ask questions, provide feedback, and engage with the creator and other viewers.
TikTok is a platform for sharing quick tutorials and DIY videos. The platform's short videos, typically 15 to 60 seconds, are ideal for quick tutorials and DIY projects. TikTok's unique algorithm curates content for users based on their interests, making it easy for them to discover new and relevant videos. TikTok's video editing tools, including filters, effects, and music, allow creators to produce engaging and entertaining content. The platform also features a range of DIY and crafting challenges, encouraging users to create and share their own content. TikTok's comment section provides a space for viewers to ask questions and provide feedback. The platform's duet feature also enables users to collaborate with other creators, creating a community of learners and creators.
Microlearning Courses
There are several social media platforms that offer microlearning courses similar to LinkedIn Learning. These platforms include Khan Academy, edX, and others and provide users with access to high-quality educational content that is easy to digest and learn. Users can choose the platform that best suits their needs and interests to continue learning and growing their skills.
- LinkedIn. It is a professional networking platform that provides access to a vast network of professionals and organizations in various fields. It is an excellent platform for finding job opportunities, building professional connections, and staying up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in your industry.
- Khan Academy. This is a non-profit educational organization that offers micro-learning courses on various topics, such as math, science, and history. The platform's courses are divided into short video lectures and interactive exercises, making it easy for users to learn and practice new skills. Khan Academy's courses are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to learners around the world.
- edX. It's a non-profit online learning platform that offers micro-learning courses on various topics, such as computer science, engineering, and humanities. The platform's courses are taught by professors from top universities and are divided into short video lectures and interactive quizzes. edX also offers a mobile app that enables users to learn on the go.
Peer-To-Peer Learning And Community Engagement
Several types of social media, such as Reddit, Discourse, and Stack Exchange, offer learners the opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer learning and community building.
Reddit is a social news aggregation platform that allows users to submit content and vote on the most popular posts. It is an excellent platform for finding niche communities that share your interests and engaging in discussions and debates on various topics. A strength of Reddit is its voting system, which allows users to upvote or downvote posts and comments based on their relevance and quality. Reddit also offers a range of features that promote peer-to-peer learning and community building, such as its "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) sessions. AMAs allow users to ask questions and engage in discussions with experts in various fields, providing a unique opportunity to learn from those with firsthand experience and knowledge.
Discourse is an open-source social media platform designed to facilitate online discussions and community building. It is a web-based platform that provides a user-friendly interface for users to engage in conversations and share knowledge in a safe and organized environment. Discourse is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their community to their specific needs, including branding, moderation, and content creation. The platform also supports a range of multimedia content, including images, videos, and links, making it easy to share and discuss a variety of topics.
Quora is a question-and-answer platform that allows users to ask and answer questions on a wide range of topics. It provides users with the opportunity to engage with others who have similar interests or expertise, building a community of learners and experts.
Stack Exchange is a platform that focuses on technical and professional topics, such as programming, engineering, and mathematics. It allows users to ask and answer questions, share knowledge, and engage with others in their field. Like Reddit, Stack Exchange also features a voting system that promotes the most informative and helpful content.
Conclusion
Social media can be used for eLearning by providing quick tutorials, micro-learning courses, and opportunities to engage in peer-to-peer community engagement and learning. It's important to note that, as with any social media platform, users should be discerning about the content they consume and verify the information they receive on social media before using it for educational purposes.
